A number of conservatives who detest Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive ideology are openly admiring her political spirit, a testament to just how quickly the 29-year-old freshman congresswoman has achieved political stardom, Politico reported on Wednesday.
“I aspire to be the conservative AOC,” said Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who at age 26 is in his second term in Congress.
Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, admitted that "AOC has what I call 'gameness' or competitive heart - the combination of grit, determination, fighting spirit that you can't coach. You either have it or you don't, and she has it big league."
Some of Trump’s supporters say that her approach resembles that of the president in that she has a populist image, an authentic social media presence, a willingness to bash mainstream media and a lack of deference to party leaders.
Far-right activist Mike Cernovich has regularly commented on her political potential, saying "I think her policies and everything are a disaster, but I just look at her effectiveness.”
Cernovich dismissed Ocasio-Cortez’s conservative skeptics as "cultists" who are, "the same as Dems who couldn't see Trump's methodology."
Ocasio-Cortez has rejected such comparisons to Trump, according to The Hill.
She insisted the comparison is "irresponsible... given the fact that he’s actively trying to assert mythology and hurt immigrants, and we’re trying to advance a progressive agenda, single-payer health care and a living wage.”
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