The Democratic Party’s Historical Role and the Creation of Ocasio-Cortez’s Story
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, recently came under fire for attacking socialist critics of the Biden administration. In an interview with the Democratic Socialists of America magazine Democratic Left, she labeled these critics as “privileged” and “bad faith actors,” while praising the Democratic Party for its progressive direction.
However, Ocasio-Cortez’s defense of the Democratic Party against socialist opposition has raised concerns about her role in stifling the development of an independent working-class movement. Critics argue that she is part of a long-standing strategy by the Democratic Party to present a “left” face while maintaining the capitalist status quo and suppressing genuine social opposition.
The historical role of the Democratic Party, dating back to its inception in 1828, has been to divert social discontent and prevent the emergence of an independent political party representing the working class. Over the years, the party has used various tactics to control and manipulate social movements, including aligning with reactionary forces and co-opting populist movements.
Ocasio-Cortez’s rise to prominence within the Democratic Party was carefully orchestrated by organizations like Brand New Congress and Justice Democrats, which selected her as a candidate for Congress in 2018. Despite her image as a champion of working people and socialism, critics point out that she had little prior involvement in social struggles and had ties to corporate interests.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), of which Ocasio-Cortez is a member, has also been criticized for its role in facilitating her political career and providing her with a “socialist” label. Critics argue that the DSA has long operated within the Democratic Party, serving as a left shield for the party’s rightward shifts and imperialist policies.
Lessons must be drawn from Ocasio-Cortez’s trajectory and the role of the Democratic Party in co-opting social movements. Critics emphasize the need for a genuine socialist movement independent of the Democratic Party, based on the historical struggles of the working class. They advocate for the formation of a party like the International Committee of the Fourth International and the Socialist Equality Party in the United States to represent the interests of the working class.
