Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez

Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is taking a self-care week.Ocasio-Cortez used her Instagram story to announce her break on Monday, reports Paper."Hello everybody," she said. "I am starting a week of self-care where I am taking the week off and taking care of me. I don't know how to do that though, so I would appreciate any and all self-care tips."The 29-year-old used to be adamant about taking care of herself before she went on the campaign trail.“Before the campaign, I used to practice yoga 3-4x/week, eat nutritiously, read and write for leisure,” Ocasio-Cortez added. “As soon as everything kicked up, that all went out the window. I went from doing yoga and making wild rice and salmon dinners to eating fast food for dinner and falling asleep in my jeans and makeup.”Ocasio-Cortez plans to go to Upstate New York to “spend a few days in the middle of nowhere.”Before she started her break, Ocasio-Cortez was looking toward 2020, according to Politico.A source close to the congresswoman-elect and ally group Justice Democrats says she has recruited a Black woman, who has yet to be named, to challenge New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries is a contender for future speaker of the House. Jeffries has faced ongoing criticism from progressives for accepting donations from corporations.“It’s personal for Ocasio,” the source said. "And she’s going to go all out to take him out.”The source added Ocasio-Cortez believes Jeffries started a whisper campaign against Rep. Barbara Lee because she donated to the former’s campaign. Lee narrowly lost the Democratic Caucus chair to Jeffries.Corbin Trent, Ocasio-Cortez’s spokesman, denied the source’s charges but admitted the race was a disappointment.“We’re not looking at recruiting people to run campaigns; we’re looking at building a congressional staff,” he said.“We’re disappointed in the way that the leadership elections went down, specifically that leadership election," said Trent. "We would have liked to have seen that be a more fair fight with less pressure."Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:A 17-Year-Old Trans Track And Field Runner Is Fighting A Petition Saying She Shouldn't Be Able To Compete With Her GenderActivist Therese Patricia Okoumou Could Face Up To 18 Months In Prison For Climbing Statue Of LibertyDr. Gladys West, Who Helped Develop The GPS, Inducted Into Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of...

Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has not only shaken up the United States Democratic Party, but also the narrative around how the boomer generation communicates and works in the era of millennials. From the moment the nation was introduced to the energetic, bold candidate in June, it was clear her impact was meant to extend far beyond her home state of New York. At 29 years of age, her midterm election win means, when she is officially sworn in as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on January 3, 2019, she will be the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Congress.From bartender to congresswoman in less than a year, her come-up is nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout her campaign, the Bronx native has been met with a fury of criticism from the opposition. Whether the conversation focuses on her wardrobe or her lack of experience, each of Ocasio-Cortez's expertly worded clapbacks only strengthened her mental toughness, which is a character trait any freshman representative should possess.Even better, her growing legacy is something to be admired for young people of color who are serious about pursuing a role in the political arena. Though historically it’s been implied that the role of lawmakers is reserved for old, white men, Ocasio-Cortez absolutely does not shy away from unsettling those who have become comfortable with that perception. She has yet to officially vote on a single issue in Congress, but here are three reasons why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is undoubtedly the vibrant, intelligent leader young people of color didn't know we needed.1. Ocasio-Cortez Quotes Cardi B, Proving That Real Recognizes RealWhile plenty of Bronx natives have found fame in their craft, no other name readily comes to mind quicker than Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, aka Cardi B. In the span of three years, the former stripper has released a platinum-selling debut album, welcomed a baby girl, and has found a forever home on the Billboard charts.Between Cardi and Ocasio-Cortez, it's impossible to declare who is living out their dreams the most. Nonetheless, the incoming representative paid homage to the "Money" rapper by tweeting lyrics from Cardi's "Best Life" song, featuring Chance the Rapper. I never had a problem showin' y'all the real me/ Hair when it's messed up, crib when it's filthy/ Way-before-the-deal me, work-to-pay-the-bills me/ 'Fore I fixed my teeth, man, those comments used to kill me/ But never did I change, never been ashamed/— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 20, 2018First of all, we stan a relatable lawmaker.That didn't sit too well with some members of the Twitter world, as many felt the need to instruct Ocasio-Cortez on how she should run her own Twitter account.Perhaps tweeting rap (from others) is your thing. I suggest you leave the public service to qualified persons (perhaps adults with their brain fully matured). Come back when you have learned a thing or two. We all believe in second chances.— Yana Nar (@MeNJulioDownby) November 21, 20182. The Future Rep Knows How to Leverage Instagram (and Her Strategy Doesn't Include Selling Teas and Bundles)One remarkable note about Ocasio-Cortez is that she built her entire campaign from grassroots influence, meaning that she relied on authentic interaction to drive her base. According to a report from Gothamist, Ocasio-Cortez “held more than 280 campaign events in addition to debates and town hall meetings” all around New York's 14th district — which she will now go on to represent. Successful due to the support of over 1,000 volunteers at her side, one team member described how Ocasio-Cortez's relationship with the public will help alter and influence the personal connection between an elected official and their voters."This massive volunteer effort lays the groundwork for a new kind of relationship between an elected representative and [their] constituency — one founded not on favor trading and machine politics, but instead on movement building and radical power sharing," Gabe Tobias, a field team leader for the Ocasio-Cortez camp, told Gothamist reporters.It appears as though the future rep fully intends on keeping that same energy while in office, and she has already taken creative measures to connect with a broader base. Recently on her Instagram Live, Ocasio-Cortez documented herself making black bean soup. In the kitchen of her own apartment, she simultaneously cooked herself a meal while encouraging reportedly 5K viewers to ask her any questions about the democratic process. What's refreshing about this approach is how it offers the ability to learn alongside Ocasio-Cortez.Unless it directly benefits them, millennials might not be particularly concerned with the idiosyncrasies of Congress. For Ocasio-Cortez, her brand is modeled around lending a full-time voice to people of color who Congress often ignores when they aren't pining for their votes. Those individuals who are regularly treated as a prop in a campaign ad are the same ones who the congresswoman-to-be fully intends on empowering so that they do not become even more of a silent minority.Because they seem to have to find a problem with everything, this approach has angered some conservatives. Outside of calling her aloof and unfit for the impending responsibilities of a lawmaker, they never miss a beat, when it comes to shaming Ocasio-Cortez for every minuscule thing she does. Funnily enough, the same cowards dragging her for seemingly living her life will never attract even half the likability or popularity Ocasio-Cortez has eclipsed this year alone.3. Living Ain't Cheap, and Ocasio-Cortez's Honesty Resonates With the Very Crowd the System Tends to NeglectAs I'm sure Ocasio-Cortez can relate: Pay day is like a mini Christmas that occurs every other week. After rent, bills and other necessary expenses, millennials are left slowly counting down to the next pay day, and the one after that. Ocasio-Cortez was brutally honest with how expensive it could be to live in Washington, D.C. According to reports from Curbed, the median rent in D.C. is about $2,700.CNBC recently tried her when it wrote about how Ocasio-Cortez had less than $7,000 in savings to her name. While breaking down her campaign assets, the financial site also income-shamed her in the same feature. This naturally invigorated the Twittersphere, with folks immediately rallying around Ocasio-Cortez's defense..@CNBC 21 Millennials have answered this so far and not one of us has $7k in savings. Stop focusing on @Ocasio2018’s finances and focus on the change she’s causing. Thanks.— C. Donovan Copeland (@cxcope) November 20, 2018CNBC gave air time to two people who complained that @Ocasio2018 didn't have a year's salary or "anywhere between $8,750 and $30,000" in savings — all while ignoring the fact those unrealistic/unattainable numbers are why millennials are entering politics in the first place.— Kat Bee (@katbeee) November 21, 2018Unfortunately, the absence of savings is a sad reality for many millennials of color. According to an article by Inc., "A 2014 survey conducted by Prudential found that, when compared to the general population, Hispanics typically have less access to workplace-based retirement plans (72 percent versus 83 percent)." Not only did the survey reveal that Hispanics had a very poor of wealth management, but 67 percent of those surveyed also said they financially back someone else — minor or adult children, grandchildren and so on — with 42 percent of non-American Hispanics sending money to family in their home country.For Black millennials, the numbers don't fare any better. Fast Company revealed that while in 2013 Black Americans had a spending power of $1.2 trillion, those same households only held a median of $11,000 in assets.No matter how the opposition will attempt to justify this income gap, Ocasio-Cortez's forthcoming actions will quickly remind them that unlike how they choose to define representation, she actually exemplifies someone with the intentions to create a better future for people her age.The orders Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faces are nothing short of tall. However, there is a spirit about her that's been sorely absent in the United States Congress, and the issues she chooses to tackle in her freshman term will undeniably be the blueprint for any future representative looking to develop a similar level of clout with marginalized audiences.Make sure you're following Blavity:Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and informed.Liking this content? 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In front of hundreds of in-person and thousands of online viewers, Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez likened the government's ongoing fight for climate change as great as the struggle for civil rights or putting a man on the moon.The statement was made during a Monday night panel titled "Climate Change Town Hall," organized by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). "This is going to be the Great Society, the moonshot, the civil rights movement of our generation. That is the scale of the ambition that this movement is going to require," Ocasio-Cortez, 29, said about climate change.Her statement was followed with roaring applause.According to The Hill, the New York Democrat questioned President Trump's laissez-faire stagnation in combating global warming, urging the incoming 116th Congress to be more assertive with its agenda. "It's unsurprising that the response to any bold proposal that we have is to incite fear," she said in her criticism of the Trump administration. "To incite fear of loss, to incite fear of others. To incite fear of our future. But the only way we are going to get out of this situation is to be courageous."Yahoo News writes that the Bronx native also equated the "Green New Deal," a new initiative driven by liberals to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1930s economic New Deal when America was knee-deep in the Great Depression, and the world was heading toward war."No one would have thought that a nation so poor, so scarce and in such dire straits as we were in that time could pursue such a bold economy agenda, but we chose to anyway. We had the courage to do it anyway," Ocasio-Cortez added.While her hands-on approach is respectable, many are calling out the soon-to-be freshman representative on the dramatic comparison, saying the two issues do not measure up in the slightest. As one person pointed out, Black people are, in fact, still fighting for their civil rights.Hey @Ocasio2018 Black people are still fighting for civil rights dear! It’s insulting to compare climate change to the Civil Rights movement. https://t.co/WG9C2hkTOZ— Achmat X (@AchmatX) December 5, 2018@Ocasio2018 But don't forget we're STILL FIGHTING the Civil Rights Movement. https://t.co/Oc6q0iZ206— MalcolmMartinMedgarMandelaMarley🌹🙏🏽✊🏽❤🖤💛💚 (@JesusWasARebel2) December 5, 2018"Environmental justice & community sustainability have always been a pillar of civil rights," one user reminded Ocasio-Cortez, using the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, as an example.@Ocasio2018 Great sentiment, but we're definitely in the second "act" of the actual Civil Rights movement. And in case anyone missed it, environmental justice & community sustainability have always been a pillar of civil rights. (i.e. Flint). https://t.co/Ik9ejAvazW— Daniel Leal (@TheDanielLeal) December 4, 2018Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Tells GOP Senator He Needs To Pay A Visit To D.C.'s African American MuseumConservative Reporter Says Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Work Attire Doesn't Look Like That Of 'A Girl Who Struggles'Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Destroys Fox News Anchors Mocking Her Living...

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) recently earned himself a social media clapback from Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for his statements surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border and race.The exchange started after Cortez retweeted a photo of a migrant family running from tear gas used at the border wall. She argued that it isn’t a crime to seek refugee status referencing families fleeing violence in Central America and other countries.Asking to be considered a refugee & applying for status isn’t a crime. It wasn’t for Jewish families fleeing Germany. It wasn’t for targeted families fleeing Rwanda. It wasn’t for communities fleeing war-torn Syria. And it isn’t for those fleeing violence in Central America. https://t.co/qhv7Rr1itn— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 25, 2018Graham responded to the incoming congresswoman's tweet by recommending that she take a tour of the Holocaust Museum. I recommend she take a tour of the Holocaust Museum in DC. Might help her better understand the differences between the Holocaust and the caravan in Tijuana. https://t.co/05vCexiClE— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) November 26, 2018Later that evening, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted back to the senator, shedding light on the Trump administration's violations of human rights and “authoritarianism.”This administration has jailed children and violated human rights. Perhaps we should stop pretending that authoritarianism + violence is a historical event instead of a growing force. https://t.co/aGJMrPTqNT— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 27, 2018The 29-year-old then went on to address a recent “joke” that Graham made back in October on the Fox & Friends show where he stated how terrible it would be if his DNA test showed he was Iranian.“I’ll probably be Iranian,” he said. “That would be, like, terrible.”She suggested he visit the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture to brush up on history.While we’re recommending museums @LindseyGrahamSC, I heard your “joke” about ethnic DNA preferences last month. Perhaps you would enjoy a visit (or revisit) to the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture (@NMAAHC). It’s a great educational experience.— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 27, 2018This is not the first time the South Carolina Republican has come under fire. Back in September, he received backlash for standing by Brett Kavanaugh in the wake of sexual assault allegations. During the hearing, he boisterously expressed his opinion:"What you want to do is destroy this guy's life, hold this seat open and hope you win [the presidency] in 2020. You said that! Not me,” he said. "Boy, y'all want power. God, I hope you never get it. I hope the American people can see through this sham."Remember when silence was golden?Now, check these out:Harlem Post Office Will Now Be Known As The Tuskegee Airmen Post OfficeCardi B Hits Back At Actress Criticizing Her Detox Tea Ads In A Way Only Belcalis WouldOprah Speaks Out For The First Time Since Her Mother's...

When it comes to members of Congress, voters aren't normally treated to a behind-the-scenes look at their daily lives. Nor would they generally care to be. But with congresswomen-elects like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, we want all the deets because they seem to get us. From the beginning of their campaigns, Ocasio-Cortez and Omar have strategically used social media to personally connect with voters and challenge their opposition when faced with misleading accusations.But their similarities go far beyond the doors of Congress as the two also share similar affinities in fashion. Tuesday marked the first day of congressional orientation where newly elected lawmakers arrive in Washington to complete administrative tasks such as taking their official congressional photo and receiving their office assignments.When Ocasio-Cortez and Omar arrived at orientation, they noticed they came dressed looking like twins. In true millennial fashion, Ocasio-Cortez and Omar documented the coincidence and posted a video to their Twitter profiles. .@IlhanMN and I both arrived at Congressional Orientation today... wearing the same outfit 😂👯‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/ap29JTZ2cy— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 28, 2018👯 with my partner in justice @Ocasio2018 #doubletrouble 😜 pic.twitter.com/N3xrmmpEYz— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 28, 2018And Twitter users were here for it:It’s so refreshing that we finally have Representatives who are... actual people— Aidan Smith🌹 (@55Counties) November 28, 2018One user, Ashley Nicole Black, couldn't help but notice the stark difference between how millennials and boomers use social media.Yup. This is millennials in Congress. Boomers never make videos when they all show up wearing the same blue suit and red tie. https://t.co/4cq75OvPXB— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) November 28, 2018Another fan chimed in saying despite the matching blazer, Omar and Ocasio-Cortez will still undeniably stand out.Yet, you both will still stand out pic.twitter.com/O3BOYPZXQi— jordan (@JordanUhl) November 28, 2018Some people just wanted to know where they purchased their jackets. How did I have to come THIS far to find someone else w the question haha— Katherine K (@KMKTweetsNow) November 28, 2018Finally, others couldn't help but chuckle at how their critics might find another way to chastise the two for spending money on professional attire.Fox is convening a panel.right now to decide whether this was more or less expensive than sackcloth and ashes.— Plastic Indian (@APlasticIndian) November 28, 2018Ocasio-Cortez and Omar are just two among an incoming congressional class making history following November's midterm election. Along with Michigan's Rashida Tlaib's, she and Omar became the first Muslim women ever elected to serve in Congress. Omar, who came to the United States as a refugee more than 20 years ago, is also the first Somali-American to be elected to Congress, per CNBC.At 29 years of age, Ocasio-Cortez's November victory officially makes her the youngest women ever to be elected into a congressional role. According to The New York Times, the former bartender won her race with 78 percent of the vote. Now, check these out:Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Was Told To Write 'Intelligibly' After She Quoted Cardi B On TwitterConservative Reporter Says Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Work Attire Doesn't Look Like That Of 'A Girl Who Struggles'Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Destroys Fox News Anchors Mocking Her Living...

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez continued making moves on social media Tuesday, and conservatives continued to criticize her posts.Fresh off her Congressional orientation, Ocasio-Cortez took to Twitter to express how much her life has changed. The newly elected representative of New York's 14th District did so by tweeting lyrics from Cardi B's "Best Life," featuring Chance the Rapper, according to Yahoo. I never had a problem showin' y'all the real me/ Hair when it's messed up, crib when it's filthy/ Way-before-the-deal me, work-to-pay-the-bills me/ 'Fore I fixed my teeth, man, those comments used to kill me/ But never did I change, never been ashamed/— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 20, 2018Never did I switch, story stayed the same/ I did this on my own, I made this a lane Moodhttps://t.co/KpZzlzOue6— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 20, 2018As the 29-year-old won her election with a grassroots campaign, it isn't surprising she would post super relatable tweets, but her critics weren't feeling it."You have a civic duty to write intelligibly," wrote one tweeter, before suggesting she hire an "assistent" [sic] to proofread her tweets.You have a civic duty to write intelligibly. You are a Congress person serving the United States of America. You are not just speaking for yourself, you are speaking for Americans. Have an assistent re-read, if necessary.— Mhc (@mhcandrmt) November 20, 2018This is so appalling I have no words. Quoting a rapper doesn’t do anything to make me change my mind about you.— Janet Iadanza (@mshalo18) November 20, 2018Ocasio-Cortez's supporters loved the realness, though.You be you, that’s what your constituents voted for, that’s what the Dems need, honesty and thoughtfulness.— Don (@rage1resist) November 20, 2018That’s why you were elected. You’re real!— cameron kord (@CameronKord) November 20, 2018In addition to rolling out Cardi, the young congresswoman used social media to publicly support Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in her bid to become speaker of the House.All the challenges to Leader Pelosi are coming from her right, in an apparent effort to make the party even more conservative and bent toward corporate interests. Hard pass. So long as Leader Pelosi remains the most progressive candidate for Speaker, she can count on my support. https://t.co/yNVa8IorWY— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 21, 2018Ocasio-Cortez explained her position on the matter by writing, "So long as Leader Pelosi remains the most progressive candidate for speaker, she can count on my support."As The Hill reports, Ocasio-Cortez followed up her pro-Pelosi tweet by noting leadership in the House “should reflect an actual, evolved mission; namely, an increased commitment to the middle + working class electorate that put us here.”I agree that our party should, and must, evolve our leadership. But changed leadership should reflect an actual, evolved mission; namely, an increased commitment to the middle + working class electorate that put us here. Otherwise it’s a just new figure with the same problems.— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 21, 2018I hope that we can move swiftly to conclude this discussion about party positions, so that we can spend more time discussing party priorities: voting rights, healthcare, wages, climate change, housing, cannabis legalization, good jobs, etc.— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 21, 2018 Now, check these out: Conservative Reporter Says Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Work Attire Doesn't Look Like That Of 'A Girl Who Struggles'Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Destroys Fox News Anchors Mocking Her Living SituationAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez Hits Back After Conservative Tries Claiming She’s Not From The...

The economic struggle is real for millennials, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hasn't been biting her tongue about it. After revealing she'd be unable to move to Washington, D.C., until she's on the congressional payroll, a conservative reporter seems to be under the impression her wardrobe should reflect her tribulations. Eddie Scarry of the Washington Examiner is under fire from several Twitter users after saying her business attire doesn't reflect that of someone with financial woes. Scarry said a Hill staffer shared with him a photo of Cortez. The reporter then posted the picture, stating that she didn’t look like “a girl who struggles.” “I’ll tell you something: that jacket and coat don’t look like a girl who struggles,” Scarry wrote in the tweet, which has since been deleted.The 29-year-old responded to the tweet stating that no matter what she wore, she would receive some criticism. If I walked into Congress wearing a sack, they would laugh & take a picture of my backside. If I walk in with my best sale-rack clothes, they laugh & take a picture of my backside. Dark hates light - that’s why you tune it out. Shine bright & keep it pushing.✨ https://t.co/mRq5wn0v9A— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 15, 2018A Twitter firestorm quickly erupted in response to the back-handed remark. ABC News shared that the 5,000 replies created what's known as a "ratio" when replies outweigh retweets or likes.   Holy shit! She's wearing clothes https://t.co/BFJu1F0iDO— joe (@JoeTacopino) November 15, 2018 Omg! She says she can’t afford an apartment in DC without a job and she has the temerity to dress nicely?!! The former cannot exist in the same universe as the latter. It’s all black and white. How juvenile are you people?— person (@ltfcrazy) November 15, 2018 Dude, I don’t much care for her politics and her economic stances in particular are ridiculous-bordering-on-dangerous, but this is a REALLY shitty take. She has been elected to Congress. “Struggle” or not, she has to dress the part and seems to be managing that fine.— Jeff Campbell (@Darchmare) November 15, 2018 There’s a thing called credit cards, or borrowing clothes, or having clothes from years earlier. There’s also a thing called being a hack journalist who makes stupid, ignorant, creepy remarks a/b women — see also, your tweet. & there’s a thing called IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.— Mark Hughes (@markhughesfilms) November 15, 2018 In response to the backlash, the reporter tweeted that he was not trying to insult the 29-year-old, but he instead was suggesting she looked "well put together."ATTN! I posted a tweet earlier suggesting the incoming congresswoman looked well put together -- ELEGANT even -- despite suggestions she’s struggled. The tweet was taken as something else, so I’ve deleted it!— Eddie Scarry (@eScarry) November 16, 2018 In the meantime, Ocasio-Cortez would love for folks on Capitol Hill to start putting some respeck on her age.  As the youngest congresswoman ever elected, she shared that she’s often mistaken for an intern. People keep giving me directions to the spouse and intern events instead of the ones for members of Congress 🤦🏽‍♀️— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 14, 2018 Now, check these out: White Reporter Refers To Herself As A 'News N*gga,' Resigns Chicago Pastor Who Shamed Drag Queen Before Kicking Him Out Of Church Says He’s ‘Not Sorry’ ‘That’s Not It:' Angela Rye Checks Black Trump Supporter Who Called April Ryan...

After Fox News seemingly mocked incoming Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for rent issues, the 28-year-old gave the wealthy anchors a piece of her mind in a series of tweets.It turns out the American rent crisis also affects members of Congress. During the Friday telecast of Fox News' America’s Newsroom, a panel of anchors decided to poke fun at Ocasio-Cortez for dealing with an issue that impacts most Americans.She revealed in a New York Times interview being unable to afford an apartment in pricey Washington, D.C."I have three months without a salary before I’m a member of Congress," Ocasio-Cortez said. "So, how do I get an apartment? Those little things are very real.”Host Bill Hemmer reminded his audience the 29-year-old worked as a bartender before her congressional run. Contributor Judy Miller and other panelists laughed as if her condition was a joke to undermine Ocasio-Cortez's socialist platform.Amid the snickers and underhanded shots, Hemmer suggested she could afford an apartment if she didn't wear expensive clothing during the campaign. But the panel did not expect Ocasio-Cortez to respond. In several tweets, the young congresswoman took this moment to put a spotlight on the growing housing problem. “As much as Fox News likes to mock the working class, the real scandal is that at the wealthiest point in our history, we are at one of our most unequal,” she wrote. "Most Americans are barely scraping by."1. @FoxNews, why can’t any of your anchors say my name correctly? It’s been 5 months.2. It is bizarre to see 1%-salaried anchors laugh at the US housing crisis.3. Never purchased pricey clothes + always told my story. But repeating lies until they are believed is your thing. https://t.co/Py5aXFi3Z4— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 9, 201840% of ALL Americans currently struggle to pay for one basic need like food or rent.As much as @FoxNews likes to mock the working-class, the real scandal is that at the wealthiest point in our history, we are at one of our most unequal.Most Americans are barely scraping by.— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 9, 2018She's right. According to Forbes, wages are not meeting the rising rent prices creating a housing crisis.Gentrification and new luxury apartment homes in urban areas are built for the well-off, ignoring the average person. Minimum wage workers can barely make ends meet. Some reports state a $15 minimum wage could not adequately solve the problem. The solution lies in creating affordable housing and legislation that protects the average tenant. Now, check these out: Man Arrested For Sending Dozens Of 'Terroristic' Death Threats To Don LemonAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez Says She Can't Afford To Move To Washington, D.C. Until That Congressional Salary Kicks InWhite Residents Trying To Form New Town Near Atlanta Say They Aren't Racist, They Just Want A Cheesecake...

Newly elected Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was adored during her campaign for being an everyday citizen ready to tackle the many issues within the political system. But just like the rest of us, the former bartender has to pay rent. As Ocasio-Cortez transitions out of her former life and eyes her future home of Washington, D.C., she told The New York Times that the moment is “very unusual.""I have three months without a salary before I’m a member of Congress," Ocasio-Cortez said. "So, how do I get an apartment? Those little things are very real.”While Ocasio-Cortez said she saved before leaving the restaurant where she previously worked, the financial challenge she faces illustrates the massive class gap between the majority of politicians and the average citizen. There are many little ways in which our electoral system isn’t even designed (nor prepared) for working-class people to lead.This is one of them (don’t worry btw - we’re working it out!) ⬇️ https://t.co/PEQ5ccSDSO— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 8, 2018According to The Hill, the 29-year-old is figuring out her housing situation, and after becoming the youngest woman in history elected to Congress on Election Day, her future is bright. Now, check these out:Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, A 28-Year-Old Activist, Unseated A Congressman Who Has Been In Office Since 1999Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Hits Back After Conservative Tries Claiming She’s Not From The BlockConservatives Kept Pressing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez About A Debate So She Compared Them To...

Is it just me, or does everyone else hear Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before” in the back of their minds, when listening to promises rattled off within campaign commercials?If there is one word to describe how most voters feel after 2016 elections, it would likely be “traumatized.” As the midterm elections continue to unfold, many voters are giving a few promising candidates on their ballot some major side-eye. After all, it’s frustrating to receive daily news updates without being concerned about the ways in which our communities are being governed.According to a national survey conducted by the NAACP, 62 percent of Black voters believed it’s more important to vote in 2018 midterms than 2014, while 82 percent of Black voters felt disrespected by something Trump said or did. This has heightened awareness during  election season. Furthermore, political discourse has motivated people to turnout in historic numbers, which has helped nominate candidates like Ayanna Pressley, Andrew Gilliam and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.However, as voters head out to polls this election, how can they vet all the candidates, who promise change? How can we elect individuals that are capable of counteracting  the effort to further disenfranchise and marginalize certain communities?1.) Read Candidates’ Campaign PlatformsCampaign websites are the best place to learn about a  candidate’s background and campaign platform. Most of these sites  have an “issues” page for viewers to read about a particular candidate’s   position on certain issues.Be mindful about the issues they take positions on, and the issues they don’t. For example, if reproductive freedom is important to you and a candidate doesn’t mention their position on this  on their website, this can be a red flag.Candidates and campaigns are strategic about their messaging, and — to be fair — not everything can live on a website. If you’re impressed by a site or simply would like to learn more about the candidate, sign up to receive updates from the campaign by sharing your email.  By signing up to receive emails and updates from the campaign, you’ll be able to stay informed about various messages, policy plans and efforts.2.) Check Endorsements  A great way to vet a candidate's position on issues is to review their endorsements. There are numerous organizations that serve and protect special interests, like healthcare, jobs, transportation and so on by engaging in elections.If an organization has decided to endorse a campaign, it signifies an investment and validates a candidate on an issue. For example, if you value public education, checking to see if a candidate has been endorsed by a national or local teachers union or education organization is worth looking into. On the contrary, if gun reform is an important issue for you, finding out if a particular candidate has a passing score with the NRA would l inform you about where they stand.It’s important to evaluate the support of both candidates on your ballot regardless of if you’ve determined who you plan to support, because it will inform about about what your candidate of choice is up against. In the unfortunate case that your desired candidate loses the election, you’ll understand where their opponent stands and the level of support he/she may have to implement their position into action upon becoming elected.3.) Review Voting RecordsVoting records are the real receipts for any candidate who's previously held public office. These records are public and can be accessed online. If a candidate is running for State Senate after formerly serving as a City Council member, you can check their voting history to see where they stood on important issues like transportation, policing, budgets and the environment. Understanding the political habits of a candidate will inform you about the way they will serve if elected into higher office.4.) Pay Attention to Earned MediaEarned media is the unsolicited promotion of a particular campaign and candidate. Unlike commercials and radio ads, earned media is an unbiased perspective about the candidate that isn’t confined to the campaigns messaging and agenda.To find earned media about a candidate, type their  name into a search engine and see what stories come up. Earned media could be good or bad, so it’s important to be make sure it’s coming from a credible source. Paying attention to how a campaign is highlighted in media is important to gain an understanding of how the campaign is engaging in the community and how that engagement is being received publicly.5.) Get InvolvedOne of the most effective ways to vet a candidate is to get involved with their campaign by volunteering, attending events and asking questions. In getting involved, you’ll learn firsthand about the type of team they trust to support them,  their vision, how they prioritize their resources, and how they’re working to earn support on Election Day. Hearing directly from a candidate can help settle any doubts or concerns you may have, and might even allow the opportunity to ask questions. If you’re unable to get directly involved, try engaging with the campaign online. There’s nothing wrong with sending an email, calling or even tagging them in a tweet.With so much on the line this year, we should feel empowered to demand solutions and solidarity from those hoping to represent us. As we prepare to vote on November 6, try pulling a sample ballot from your Secretary of State website or local elections board. Your sample ballot will outline each candidate and ballot measure you’ll be voting on this election, giving you the opportunity to research and make an informed decision about who you plan to support. As voters, we have the collective power to determine who the decision makers will be, when our own lives and best interest and lives are put on the line. History has taught us time and time again that elections have consequences. Let’s make sure that this year, we aren't caught slipping.To learn more about how you can be properly prepare for midterm elections, click here....