Senator Slotkin Critiques AOC During Political Tour Amid Party Infighting

NEW YORK, NY – Tensions within the Democratic Party intensified as Senator Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., openly criticized fellow progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) during a town hall meeting this week. This exchange occurred while Slotkin was headlining the ‘Fighting Oligarchy Tour’ alongside AOC and Senator Bernie Sanders, aiming to rally support across the nation.

During the event, Slotkin faced pressing questions from constituents regarding her perceived lack of support for progressive policies, particularly in comparison to Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders. ‘Things require me to be more than just an AOC,’ Slotkin stated. ‘I can’t do what she does because we live in a purple state, and I’m a pragmatist.’

The senator’s comments highlight a growing divide between moderates and progressives within the party. Slotkin further challenged Ocasio-Cortez’s effectiveness, asking the crowd, ‘Everyone you mentioned has a lot of words, but what have they actually done to change the situation with Donald Trump?’

The ongoing power struggle within the Democratic Party mirrors broader political dynamics, as California Governor Gavin Newsom has also been repositioning himself through a new podcast, engaging in debates with Republicans and adopting more moderate stances. Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer faces criticism for not opposing a Republican-backed spending package that could have led to a government shutdown.

As this internal conflict festers, Ocasio-Cortez remains remarkably popular among voters. In a recent poll, she emerged as the preferred choice among Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents to represent the party’s core values, surpassing notable figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama.

The poll indicated that Ocasio-Cortez received 10 percent of the support, with Harris trailing at 9 percent. Slotkin, Schumer, Newsom, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi each garnered only 2 percent. Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are scheduled to continue their tour with an event in Tucson, Arizona, this Saturday, which may further shape the narrative heading into the next election cycle.