During her first significant appearance at the Democratic National Convention, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the “Squad,” delivered a speech acknowledging the contributions of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and praised President Joe Biden for his leadership.
In her address, Ocasio-Cortez shared her experiences growing up in a middle-class family in New York, connecting her story to those of Harris and Walz. She emphasized the value of hard work, stating, “There is nothing wrong with working for a living. Imagine having leaders who understand that,” which resonated with the audience.
This speech marked a departure from her 2020 convention appearance, during which she delivered a short pre-recorded endorsement for Senator Bernie Sanders. In her latest remarks, Ocasio-Cortez criticized former President Donald Trump, asserting, “We know Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing palms of his Wall Street friends.”
She further expressed her frustration with what she described as a “two-bit union buster” who believes he embodies patriotism compared to those who truly fight for working individuals. Additionally, she was one of the first speakers to address the situation in Gaza, commending Harris for her efforts toward achieving a ceasefire.
As she concluded her speech, the crowd erupted in cheers of “AOC! AOC!” as she exited the stage.