Ocasio-Cortez to campaign against Democratic Congressman William Clay in St. Louis

[RandySF]

Last edited Fri Jul 13, 2018, 08:48 PM - Edit history (1)

ST. LOUIS, MO — Self-described Democratic Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose recent win in New York's Democratic primary sent shockwaves through the party's establishment wing, will visit St. Louis on July 21 to stump for Democratic hopeful Cori Bush. Bush is running for a seat in Congress and hopes to unseat Rep. William Lacy Clay (MO-1) in the state's August 7 primary.

In her own primary race, 28-year-old Ocasio-Cortez, who campaigned for Bernie Sanders in the last presidential election, unseated Joe Crowley, a 10-term veteran expected by many to be his party's next leader in Congress.

Like Ocasio-Cortez, many are calling Bush's run a longshot. An ordained pastor and a registered nurse, Bush previously lost a 2016 Democratic Senate primary to Jason Kander, who in turn lost to current Republican Sen. Roy Blunt in November of that year.

Bush says, as a single mother, she has "felt the burden of being uninsured and the pain of homelessness." She is a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, and has made raising the minimum wage, passing Medicare for all, and taking on student loan debt key campaign issues.

Bush also says she marched with protesters in the streets of Ferguson and will fight to end mass incarceration, private prison subsidies, and the cash bail system.



https://patch.com/missouri/stlouis/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-will-stump-cori-bush-st-louis

[still_one]

1. Is this what her district wants her to do, and is this what they elected her to do?

[JCanete]

8. I would hope so...do you know how little a single congressperson can do

to get anything done in Washington? She can want to do the things she has told her district she will do, but it sure would help to have many more people in congress on the same page, speaking tirelessly to these issues as front and center.

[still_one]

11. Interesting that she choose to campaign against a very liberal Democrat in MO

[GulfCoast66]

12. It's not about ideology

But loyalty to the correct team.

[still_one]

89. That is sure what it looks like, and frankly I am sick and tired of those who have are only look to

use the Democratic party for their own personal agenda

United we stand, divided we fall, and I will sure remember this about her, and how she is working to defeat LIBERAL DEMOCRATS for her own personal agenda. What comes around, goes around, and this crap WILL COME BACK AND BITE HER IN ASS

[JHan]

91. Yes, it's a dominance game.

[mcar]

34. The incumbent is a solid liberal

Why would any Democrat campaign against him?

[Me.]

45. Cori Bush Justice Democrat

Interview with Jimmy Dore

[JI7]

48. Jimmy dore is an anti semitic conspiracy theorist

[Me.]

50. Exactly

[mcar]

53. Oh for sweet Jesus' sake!

Will these people ever learn?

[Gothmog]

69. Dore belongs on JPR

I never watched this idiot and I stopped watching TYT and Cenk a long time ago

[Me.]

72. Right?

[oberliner]

110. So was Joe Crowley

[Gothmog]

68. AOC will be hurting her district with stunts like this

As a baby congresscritter, she is going to get some bad committee assignments

[JCanete]

83. what is that...punishment? Quid pro quo in Washington? Well you would know better than I. nt

[Hassin Bin Sober]

87. A stern talking to in the cloakroom!

[Gothmog]

101. She is a young and has burn her bridges

Last edited Sat Jul 14, 2018, 07:53 PM - Edit history (1)

She will get a shitty committee assignment

[still_one]

90. She deserves NOTHING after pulling stunts like this. She has just shown her true colors

[still_one]

2. This is where William Clay is on the issues

http://www.ontheissues.org/House/William_Lacy_Clay.htm

[RandySF]

7. Doesn't look like a conservative record to me.

[xmas74]

67. He's not.

He never has been.

[LisaM]

27. 100% from NARAL and an "F" from the NRA

Why, precisely, is she targeting him?

[4139]

3. She'll been in Kansas July 20 campaigning for a candidate....

https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article214863265.html


She is building to be a player, not a benchwarmer

[RandySF]

5. Or left out.

[Demsrule86]

18. She should worry about her own election...and all this targeting of Dems is not helpful...I gave her

the benefit of the doubt...but I think there is a line that has been crossed...still hope she wins of course.

[heaven05]

76. a player adding

confusion and division to the Democratic Party and platform. She is not a player, a divider as I see it. Same as happened in the recent past and important elections. Jeez when will they realize they are a minor faction in a very large LIBERAL Party of real forward-looking people who want to destroy the real enemy, the RW fascists and NOT our Party with some outmoded, outdated ideology's that only adds confusion and chaos to our need for a huge vote and unified front? Demosocs WILL NOT lead this Party. Period.

[Dawson Leery]

4. She should be in her district campaigning.

I fully support Mr. Clay and Mr. Carper.

[RandySF]

6. I guess she's not so worried about Crowley

[TeamPooka]

108. In her district Crowley is the "name you know" and is on the ballot too.

[Blue_true]

61. She still has at least two months after the last primary to campaign.

The Missouri primary is in early August, that gives her 3 months in New York to campaign.

She is ambitious, if she can help spring an upset in Missouri, she would have sent a message for when she does make it to Washington.

Also, haven't you heard of that darn newfangled thing called air travel? A person can be in Missouri on Friday and in NYC on Saturday afternoon.

[we can do it]

103. Me too.

[Tatiana]

9. When centrists support their preferred candidates, no one cares.

Last edited Fri Jul 13, 2018, 09:11 PM - Edit history (1)

But now the Democratic socialist exhibits a preference and all hell breaks lose.

Not sure that a NY pol plays well in MO, but Ocasio-Cortez has ambition, energy, and a keen political instinct that might be on to something.

[RandySF]

10. Clay is a progressive incumbent

And he's a highly respected member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Ocasio-Cortez might be playing with this one.

[Cha]

14. OmG.. playing with fire?

[Tatiana]

15. I like Clay. He's leading an important legal fight for unions.

But this is primary season. His challenger is also a progressive who would be a CBC member too. He's strong enough to survive this challenge.

And maybe Ocasio-Cortez learns a valuable lesson, if he does.

[Demsrule86]

22. And if the seat goes to a Republican? Incumbents have an advantage and primary voters are very

different than general election voters.

[Tatiana]

25. MO 1st is an urban CD comprised of St. Louis & St. Louis county.

I don't think a Republican is going to win this seat.

Again, I like Bill Clay Jr. But his daddy held this seat for 30+ years before he was elected to it and don't the constituents get to decide whether they want a fresh face that represents progressive values?

It seems to me that Ocasio-Cortez is being strategic in the races she wants to participate in.

[JI7]

26. Strategic by going after liberal progressives ?

[Tatiana]

31. In trying to help elect progressive Democrats who are not members of the status quo.

Non-establishment candidates, so to speak.

[JI7]

32. Establishment like planned parenthood ?

[Tatiana]

36. As in people who have been there for a long time.

I personally think she has ambition and eventually want to be in leadership.

And, a way to do that is to help get people elected that will support her, in return.

It's strategy. Pelosi's done it. Schumer's done it. Daschle did it. Plenty of people do this. When Rahm Emanuel was in Congress, he did it ALL THE TIME.

Remember when Obama was the political neophyte and Clinton was the experienced candidate? Remember when people told him to wait his turn?

Remember the fierce urgency of NOW?

Yes, this is messy. It's uncomfortable. But our political landscape and climate has changed. We'd do well to try to work with, guide, and support our future leaders. Cause they ain't going anywhere.

[JI7]

38. He has been there less than 20 years. She supported sanders who was there much longer

And supported the NRA so progressive policies don't seem to be the issue.

[Tatiana]

39. Well... people were mad when Obama took on Bobby Rush in a primary challenge, too.

It wasn't a bad thing.

Rush wasn't entitled to his seat and Obama's challenge made him a better Congressman, IMO.

I don't see this as any different.

[JI7]

41. Obama was actually running himself

In a primary. He wasn't going outside of his state to defeat a liberal.

[Tatiana]

44. C'mon. The point is obvious.

Some people are mad because a newbie has the temerity to support the challenge of a long-term Democratic incumbent.

This represents an opportunity for lessons to be learned all around.

I appreciate your comments, but this is a safe seat and I say let the best Democrat win.

[JI7]

46. Do we destroy planned parenthood also because they are establishment ?

[ucrdem]

47. So how did that work out in November 2016?

You see the problem, don't you?

[GulfCoast66]

55. No. What's obvious is that the choice of who is being supported has nothing to do with ideology

But loyalties.

There is only one reason she and sanders are supporting this primary challenger. They want someone on their team. Cause the incumbent is a strong liberal.

[RandySF]

74. Cori Bush was staunchly anti-Hillary for much of 2016.

[GulfCoast66]

75. I'm so shocked.

It is becoming blatantly obvious it is about personality not party.

[George II]

104. "She supported sanders who was there much longer" - funny how that works out, eh?

[EffieBlack]

94. "Establishment" has become a stupid accusation

What in the hell is "establishment" anyway? Aren't we TRYING to be "establishment?" Isn't that the point? If we don't ESTABLISH ourselves as part of the group in charge, we haven't accomplished anything. Spending one's life and career on the outside yelling about the "establishment" means you're failing.

I'm sick of the term.

[Demsrule86]

98. It is foolish to take such a risk and this is a progressive Democrat being targeted...I am

extremely unhappy with these actions.

[Cha]

13. I'm not impressed with her flying off the handle

Last edited Fri Jul 13, 2018, 09:14 PM - Edit history (1)

and attacking Joe Crowley on Twitter for "mounting" a 3rd party campaign to run against her.

Link to tweet

And, trying to refight the damn primaries @Senator Duckworth.

Not too keen.

[LuvLoogie]

29. what happened with Tammy? She's my Senator...

who do I have to put on my shit list?

[Cha]

35. Ah, Luv! You missed

the huge brouhaha when Jake Tapper asked Senator Duckworth what she thought of AOC's politics playing in the Midwest and Tammy told him..

"DUCKWORTH: I think it's a future of the party in the Bronx where she is. I think that we as legislators needs to listen to our constituency and get out there. I think what she did, she did the hard work and pounded the pavement and she was out there talking to everyone about constituents and I think that was a difference. She turned out voters and reflected the needs of her district

https://crooksandliars.com/2018/07/tapper-asks-duckworth-if-democrats-are

Link to tweet

Hope that clarifies!

[LuvLoogie]

52. AOC may have drive and smarts, but grace and wisdom gets you

to the level of a Gutierrez or Waters or Pelosi or Schakowsky as a stalwart representative of the people.

[Cha]

57. You called it! "Grace and Wisdom" is

not evident.

I Senator Duckworth, too

[Me.]

49. SInce She Made The Accusation She Should Do The Apologizing

[Tatiana]

54. Certainly not one of her finest moments.

But, she's young and she will learn.

I don't want to stifle real talent and future leaders. We should groom them.

[Cha]

59. She's doing it to herself, imv.

Ocasio-Cortez to campaign against Democrat Congressman William Clay in St. Louis

Clay is a progressive incumbent.. And he's a highly respected member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210867566#top

[brush]

84. What's the phrase? "Stay in your lane."

If she backs a loser she gets shitty committee assignments when she to Congress—assuming she wins in Nov.

If she helps a demosoc win against a progressive Democrat in St. Louis she and the other demosoc get shitty committee assignments when they to Congress—assuming they win in Nov.

Not the wisest move IMO.

[Cha]

88. Not wise.. No wisdom

or grace.

brush

[GulfCoast66]

16. I call BS

First at the term centrist in this context.

But more so on your overall point. She is campaigning against a sitting congress member who is a member of the Democratic Party. Remind me of the last time a centrist Democratic Party leader traveled halfway around the country to campaign against a sitting liberal Democratic Congressperson?

[JI7]

17. Didn't sanders endorse that weird guy over debbie Wasserman schultz ?

[GulfCoast66]

20. The one who turned out to be a racist?

Yeah. But in Bernie’s defense(words I never thought I would type) it was not known till later.

Besides, I am talking about members of the Democratic Party

[Demsrule86]

19. It is not what she is ...she is going after Democrats and could cost us a majority.

I don't care if you are centrist or left left...this is not a good idea in the age of Trump...she is all worried about primaries...I am worried if we don't win, we lose our Republic. We have to win in 18 and 20.

[GulfCoast66]

21. If, despite her antics, we win the majority...

I hope she enjoys her committee assignments.

[Demsrule86]

23. Yeah right and in two years she may experience a primary as an incumbent...I know that district,

they will be lining up to run against her.

[Demsrule86]

24. If we lose a majority because of this shit, I truly will lose my mind...not different than what cost

us the general in 16 really.

[underthematrix]

28. It's Missouri so good luck with that one

[ucrdem]

30. So OR is pushing a Bush and a Nixon

They couldn't find a Ronnie Reagan?

[Cha]

37. lol.. mere coincidence.. funny though.

lol

[ucrdem]

42. oops meant to reply to you not myself . . .

[Cha]

43. Oh well.. you rock, too!

[ucrdem]

40. Just when you think things couldn't get any weirder

they get weird in a whole new way!



p.s. loving those tweets Cha!

[sheshe2]

77. Ha!

[ucrdem]

80. heya sheshe!!

I am headed to the gym and hoping to avoid Faux News and/or blurbs for Chappaquidick (now on home video!) every five seconds . . .



and after that . . .



TGIF!!!!!!!

[sheshe2]

86. Enjoy your, TGIF!

Tell me they don't play Fox at the gym?! Well. Could help your work out and make you fighting mad.

Have some fun, ucrdem...I am east coast and will be turning in.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

78. Cynthia Nixon... now more than ever!

[ucrdem]

81. bwahaha

[mcar]

33. Why primary a liberal, experienced AA legislator?

Why?

The fcking Republicans are handling this country over to Russia and the damn oligarchs that AOC and her crowd complain about.

WTF is she doing campaigning in MO against a solid Dem?

[Blue_true]

58. Her and Cori Bush have similar histories.

Bush is a bit older. But both came from simple upbringings, Bush was poor and once homeless. Both worked as early childhood educators. Both got good educations, Bush struggled some. Both had/has high student loan debt. Cori Bush works organizing her community as a community based mental health nurse, Ocasio-Cortez is a community organizer. I am guessing Ocasio-Cortez supports Cori Bush because both are fighting for things like an end to gun violence, a higher minimum wage, investment of money into their community.

I am not trying to justify primarying a sitting democrat, but I do understand why Ocasio-Cortez is getting involved.

[mcar]

60. I still don't

This is the true year of the women. We women have an incredible opportunity to succeed, but if we use it to attack our brothers and sisters...Sorry, just no.

[Adrahil]

51. WTF!? She's fucking up all over the damn place. STOP!!!! NT

[jcgoldie]

56. Feel good story

...turns into shit sandwich very quickly.

[lapucelle]

62. One of these members of Congress is William Lacy Clay

and the other is a fiery independent who caucuses with the Democrats. Can you tell which is which?

[RandySF]

63. The one on the right is Bernie.

[lapucelle]

65. Right you are!

And the one on the left is being primaried by a Brand New Congress candidate because...
He's a member of the "corporate, Democratic establishment".

[bigtree]

64. less concerned about someone exercising their democratic right to participate in our primary

...than with attacks on Democratic nominees here for doing the same.

[George II]

85. AOC isn't exercising her democratic right to participate in "our" Primary - she is a New Yorker....

...and this is a Primary in Missouri.

Clay is a highly respected Congressman and one of the leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus. It's beyond me that he's being challenged by people from his own party.

[JustAnotherGen]

99. Clay will win

"How" has been winning in Primaries this year. AOC is an exception - not the Rule. Clay's district (from what I can tell) is far more politically sophisticated than folks are giving them credit for.

I don't think his opponent can beat this:
Lacy Clay Calls on ICE to Drop Deportation Plans for Alex Garcia, Now in Sanctuary
https://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2018/07/11/lacy-clay-calls-on-ice-to-drop-deportation-plans-for-alex-garcia-now-in-sanctuary

The process for legal re-entry would require Garcia to leave the country for ten years and then reapply. Faced with being separated from his wife and kids, who are all U.S. citizens, Garcia instead took sanctuary in Christ Church in Maplewood.

So far, ICE has refused to reconsider, despite broad support from the community in Poplar Bluff and here in the St. Louis metro region. Clay met with the family in May at the church and says there is no reason to separate a hard-working dad from his children.

"Anyone who meets Alex Garcia and his wife would be immediately moved by their courage, their dignity and their determination to keep their family together," Clay said in a written statement.

^see above^

This is the "Conventional Democratic Playbook".

PS Clay voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

His opponent cannot call him a Corporate Oligarch Plutocrat Bankster.

[Gothmog]

66. I can't wait to see AOC's committee assignments as baby law maker

This is a dumb stunt that will hurt her district

[RandySF]

71. WFT?!?!?

She'll work VERY hard on the Merchant Marines and Fisheries Committee!!

[Gothmog]

73. That assignment may be out of her reach

Time will tell

[Gothmog]

105. AOC is not making friends in the Party

Link to tweet

[George II]

106. Bill Pascrell is one of the most respected NJ Congress person, a very nice man who...

....rarely says anything bad about Democrats. For him these are tough words.

[JustAnotherGen]

109. He's a sweetheart

Known for building bridges and kindness. . .

[still_one]

92. She has just burnt bridges with a lot of Democrats with the stunts she is pulling lately, and this

will come back and haunt her

[joshcryer]

95. The irony being that she will use her inexperience as an excuse...

...rather than as a step from which to learn upon.

See: burning bridges with lots of Democratic lawmakers and being relegated to useless committees would be used by her as proof that she is being further damaged by the "establishment" and not that she doesn't offer anything of use.

[Gothmog]

100. AOC is hurting her district

No one in the party will pay ant attention to her

[George II]

102. In less than three weeks she's taken on....

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gilibrand
Democratic Congressman Joseph Crowley (even after he gracefully conceded!)

and is supporting primary opponents of

Democratic Senator Tom Carper
Democratic Congressman Lacy Clay

And unless I missed it, I haven't seen her say a word about her General Election opponent, republican Anthony Pappas.

[joshcryer]

96. Yeah, and removing two veterans will just make more baby assigments available.

Allowing other veterans spots that they wouldn't have otherwise had. It's not even like they'd intentionally put her on a shit committee, it's that others will get shifted up and more shitty committees will come available. People with more seniority will dump them like a rock if they can get something good. And if she doesn't pick up the slack others will happily have more committee assignments to prove their worth.

[xmas74]

70. This pisses me off.

Clay is not a conservative candidate. Why waste time campaigning against him?

Cori Bush was anti Hillary most of 2016. She wasn't that concerned with the party-I remember the comments. Instead of running for what she has why doesn't she save that money and make a decent statement run in 2020? We need Dems running for SOS, Lt Governor and Governor, amongst other things. Why not make a run there instead of against a strong incumbent?

[suprcali]

97. Dumb move

The spotlight got to her head.

[shanny]

79. Is it a problem here, but OK elsewhere?

I am confused.

[George II]

82. William Clay has been a respected Democratic Congressman since 2001, and a leading member....

....of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Why he's being primaried now and why his opponent is getting support from out of state is beyond me. But unfortunately one of the out of state supporters of his opponent also called for Obama to be primaried in 2012.

[JHan]

93. really sick of this shit.

It's just fucking dumb to do.

[TeamPooka]

107. NY is one thing. Messing with D incumbent in MO is another.

Thats not a lock seat