AOC claims ‘We are one’ after years of being criticized for playing identity politics

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., recently posted a campaign-style video on social media that has sparked rumors about her political future. In the video, she emphatically declares, “We are one,” a statement that has raised eyebrows given her history of being criticized for playing identity politics.

In the video, which has garnered over 7 million views, Ocasio-Cortez calls for unity and warns against allowing divisive forces to pit Americans against each other based on race, ethnicity, or other factors. This message aligns with her ongoing efforts to combat what she sees as Republican efforts to sow racial division in order to maintain power.

During her “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Ocasio-Cortez has consistently highlighted the ways in which Republicans use racial resentment to thwart Democratic progress. She has pointed out that the only way they can push their unpopular agenda is by stoking divisions along racial, identity, and cultural lines.

Ocasio-Cortez’s emphasis on unity and her rejection of identity politics are a departure from her previous statements and actions. Throughout her career, she has been vocal about issues of race and gender, often invoking her own experiences as a woman of color in politics.

From her victory speech in 2018, where she highlighted her role as the first person of color to represent New York’s 14th Congressional District, to her criticisms of President Trump and Speaker Pelosi, Ocasio-Cortez has consistently raised issues of race and gender in her political discourse.

However, her statements have not been without controversy. Ocasio-Cortez faced backlash for her initial support of Jussie Smollett, a Black and gay actor who falsely claimed to be the victim of a hate crime. She has also been accused of playing the race card in her criticisms of Trump and other political figures.

Despite these criticisms, Ocasio-Cortez continues to advocate for racial justice and gender equality in her political work. She has been a vocal proponent of addressing health disparities in communities of color and has highlighted the impact of systemic racism on various aspects of American society.

As she navigates the complex terrain of identity politics and racial justice, Ocasio-Cortez remains a polarizing figure in American politics. Her calls for unity and her rejection of divisive tactics may signal a new direction in her approach to these issues, but only time will tell how her message resonates with the American public.