A Conversation with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talks candidly about why she decided to run, her views on student debt, her tips for navigating power, and much more.
This talk took place on Thursday, April 18, at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Read student reactions here: jjay.cc/aoc
To support informed participation in our democracy, the College provides access to public officials in their official capacity and candidates without regard to political party affiliation or policy views. Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the College. See www.jjay.cuny.edu/sites/defaul...

[@eatmyfishy]

I am a software engineer that has been doing this for 17 years now and I read a lot of articles about calculated risk and learning new things etc…and its so amazing even the language that AOC is so universal that it gives me hope that if she can speak my language she can speak everybodys language. I cant wait to see the amazing level of success she will have and hopefully one day be the president :)

[@biografiadeangelitoaguilar2171]

AOC inspired me to look up who my members of congress is like its crazy i wasnt never into politics until i heard about her and then i started to know more 🤔

[@malikmulder9731]

omg me too. I never cared at all about politics until I learned about her and now I'm so deep into it because of aoc. literally yesterday she inspired me to look up who represented my city and research about their political views.

[@brianhurtado7089]

You "wasnt never..."I see the amount of information you've acquired about politics seems to match the amount you learned in your English class... LOL

[@Stand-Alone-Complex]

@@brianhurtado7089 If you look at OP's username you can clearly see that she/he is of some kind of spanish or hispanic background. Meaning that they are possibly foreign, since you're so intellectual, I would have assumed that you already knew that not everyone grasps english or grammar in the same fashion an afluent speaker would, plus, some times it's hard to organize what you're trying to say in a sentence (correctly) when it's not even your primary language. Then we have learning disabilities, dyslexia, among other neurological conditions in people which affects the way they type and express themselves. Which is still in no way indicative of how intelligent someone is or isn't, But that might have gone over your head, you know, because you are sooooo smart!!!! 🤭

[@davidzdenek4061]

You soundes. Jus ass me. When politicasnev, never b in around my life, she make fell smart . I think she need to take thes z ,Evelyn Wooshead sped redding coarse Her red ding will I'm prov one. Dere Full. Lee

[@davidzdenek4061]

Also comprention

[@chasingfear666]

This woman reminds me of the women in my family so much. She could be my niece, maybe that's why I identify with her so well. One of the phrases in her campaign that made me take notice of her was this: "Everyday Americans need to be represented by everyday Americans." That is so true. We're not all middle aged bordering on old white men! I admire this young woman beyond words. The embodiment of David vs. Goliath. She's shaken the core of the establishment, in that she's not afraid to go against the grain. To step out or raise your head up and be seen and heard, takes courage. I've seen her in debates during her campaign, and more recently on congressional committees questioning social media owners and big pharma companies and let me tell you. She's a pit bull. You better do your research and be prepared, know this, she's going to be prepared. Such an amazing story, love me some AOC!!!

[@Lengescp]

She describes how things actually are run for example in Germany - and she is called radical. Parallel universe

[@davidzdenek4061]

Did her mother have any children that lived?

[@BundesengelMichael2]

I am from Germany. I know AOC since exact 2 days. And since 2 days i do nothing others than watching one video after the next about AOC. She is so god damned amazing, clever, smart, honest. The best what could happened to the US People and she will be the worst case scenario for your corrupt lobbyist poltican system

[@jamestcatcato7132]

@@davidzdenek4061 did yours?

[@LooneyLoonsBalloons]

@@BundesengelMichael2 she is a lying hack that takes it up the @$$ for the demoncrats, you apparently didn't see the video on her, with tears starting to pour from her face,"horrific experience in the 6th where rioters tried to break into her office and kill her", when in fact, she LIED about it all to get sympathy for being a snow flake like this college apparently......

[@BundesengelMichael2]

@@LooneyLoonsBalloons Surprising that you reply to a comment from me who is 1 month old. I have been following the events in the US for several months and have also been AOC during this time. so rest assured, i am aware of the AOC video after Jan 6th. And my first impression was, well, it dramatized it. I am a 57 year old German who has a Thai girlfriend, so women tears don't really impress me. But then I thought, who am I, that I could presume to judge the emotional state of a woman who is in a stressful situation. And after more and more videos of the wild buffalo herd were shown in the Capitol, hundreds of angry people with slogans, hang pence, kill pelosi etc. then the fear and emotional concern of AOC was real, especially since she were verbally discredited and attacked by GOP members from the start becomes. So when you say AOC is lying, please give examples but don't make unfounded claims. even if you Trump cultists find it difficult to remain objective. Just as I can't get you to take an open-minded view, just as little will you be able to force another view of AOC on me. I really recommend you to listen to other views, the David Pakman show e.g. it's very analytical and not manipulative like MSNBC, or TDR, and above all not like FOX Chanels

[@faytheresia577]

We need this to be current. Not 1 year ago

[@americancitizen748]

Democrats won the last election and now we have a disaster.

[@hindustankibeti9009]

I was watching an interview of an Indian woman politician called Mahua Moitra (who is making history) and I came across a comment from someone who said Mahua was like AOC. So I came here to see who AOC was and Im in awe of this outstanding political figure. We need people like her and Mahua in our countries who can serve with compassion and NOT start to rule and manipulate once they’ve been given the power.

[@cami-loo108]

I can see why the Republicans are triggered by AOC, she calling them out and telling the truth. When a candidate runs a grassroots campaign they answer only to the people, not special interest so they can speak truth to power. AOC's speeches need to go viral. She makes sense and empowers the working class. When the working class becomes empowered the special interests will lose their power

[@fatherson5907]

She’s an idiot, and you’re an idiot for believing her lies. She is out for herself. Promising free things in return for unwavering loyalty. Trump, AOC, Pol Pot, they’re all the same. Use your brain, moron!

[@jazzx251]

@@fatherson5907 A bold accusation ... why did a bartender with no hope in hell stand for office? There's just no believable motivation for your accusation. Even once elected, the first thing she did was occupy Nancy Pelosi's office! I could show you loads more examples of why you're wrong - but I want to spare you the torture. This lady will one day be your President. Just don't be a dick anymore and you'll be fine.

[@es7168]

@@fatherson5907 you typed a whole paragraph to tell the world “Hi world, I’m an idiot”

[@sarahjay720]

Please follow and vote Major Williams for ca governor! Grass roots as well, been following his work and he is truly amazing!

[@fatherson5907]

@@es7168 you think AOC is qualified to do something aside from insta cooking shows and bartending. You’re the idiot.

[@AmericanWop]

Something is very sick if we are consistently dealing with bills of thousands of pages. Seems most of it is only to create litigation which is another unaddressed issue that is promulgated by so many bills. Lawyers, Guns and Money...

[@oatnoid]

That "sickness " to which you refer is Swamp Fever.

[@juststunned4210]

She inspires people to keep interested and participate. Government ignored is government run amok. We should not be detached while our democracy is being dismantled brick by brick. We all have the ability and the power to build a just society that we can be proud of.

[@mex2002]

Lomo

[@sheriquillen4248]

Not with Joe Biden, we don’t!!

[@eatmyfishy]

she is the one and only reason I am re-engaging with politics since graduating college…she is making me think that someone is finally paying attention

[@johntorres5860]

She doesn't play around,this lady is on top

[@michaelsamuels4402]

AOC is the first politition I've heard who does not have a problem and knows it

[@oatnoid]

Yeah like on a pile of Donkey droppings.

[@jamestcatcato7132]

@@oatnoid your tears are delicious!!!1

[@oatnoid]

@@jamestcatcato7132 Open wide, because those aren't tears, Gruber.

[@iwatcher69]

John Torres shes a moron!!!!

[@chrisalstott4138]

Does this video not load for anyone else? I’ve tried like 3 times and it comes up with an error message every time.

[@RealBradMiller]

YT was down! Try again, it went down yesterday while I was watching Knock Down The House. A doc you need to see, if you haven't already. :)🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@chrisalstott4138]

@@RealBradMiller I have seen that one!! It was amazing, I loved it :)

[@RealBradMiller]

@@chrisalstott4138 Heck yeah! Have a a good night. :)

[@biografiadeangelitoaguilar2171]

i say yes to no kore detention and more of service should be implemented as of this next school year shouldnt be hard at all

[@Corporations8MyBaby]

How did I miss this last year. This is so enlightening!!

[@jessbishoff1981]

This was enlightening? Wow

[@francanarsie]

Are you saying this in jest?

[@jessbishoff1981]

@@francanarsie i cant speak for the other commenter, but as for me...no i was saying it in jest of the first comment.

[@francanarsie]

@@jessbishoff1981 i knew that I accidentally addressed it to you instead of the same guy you were addressing. I hope he is joking.

[@jessbishoff1981]

@@francanarsie that makes two of us!

[@babutaalind862]

Iti multumesc ca ai avut grija de educatia data la care a ajuns pana la urechile mele !

[@RANTHEEMAN]

Couldn't agree with her more. The past is being handled with policy and not direct checks.

[@cxarhomell5867]

ew

[@juststunned4210]

Sultan is a troll. Can't make a case to support the comments.

[@jessbishoff1981]

Direct checks? You mean money? What did you, or anyone else do to deserve free money?

[@RANTHEEMAN]

@@jessbishoff1981 That was 2 yrs ago and since new arrivals.

[@detectiveofmoneypolitics]

Great content 👌 cheers Frank G Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@sarahjay720]

1:01:45 start a small business would be good advice too, I think that’s good experience to have to understand capitalism tax codes and what it means to be an employer. Wish some politicians had that experience! Also work in hospitals to see how policies actually work in practice etc

[@nate-bc9zw]

Well, she was a waitress and a bartender, so...there’s that

[@raevon6845]

Yes, she is extraordinarily and at the same time she is trying to lift ordinary everyday Americans 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 we salute you AOC for her dedication to community 💪🏽

[@garlicknot887]

Leon Ardos Nah lmao

[@milofuentes1234]

Ummm you do know anyone can spit out a bunch of bullshit lmao

[@juststunned4210]

But not anyone can graduate with honors or sponsor 24bills and co sponsor over 400bills in congress.

[@babutaalind862]

Hey! Sunt foarte multumit !!

[@pa7957]

And she was reelected with 68% of her district .... :)))))

[@jazzx251]

If you can't vote for .. that ... then what CAN you vote for? :)))))

[@emptypockets4962]

Yep, 80% of her district is on welfare, food stamps, and section8 housing . Now there's something to be proud of !!! Not surprised nobody in her district misses the Amazon jobs cuz nobody in her district wants jobs.

[@pa7957]

@@emptypockets4962 You are too funny ... Hahahahahaha :))) She is way to smart for you ... Go back to your cave and do not come back please ...!!!!

[@ramonperezflaquer3769]

@@emptypockets4962 in what way is that her fault? None, thank Joe Crowley for that

[@oatnoid]

Yeah pretty embarrassing for Queens.

[@detectiveofmoneypolitics]

Loved this comment cheers Frank G Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@TitoInKilleen]

46:00

[@NanaYawAforo]

she'll likely be president one day

[@barberjourney3698]

We are hopping god’s willing

[@fatherson5907]

Hahahahahaha

[@mt00a]

For you to have a free electric car? Keep dreaming.

[@davidparker7227]

Very insightful... thanks for sharing. Covid-19 pandemic: Be well, stay safe 🕉☯️🕉

[@themanwnoname3454]

2021(G) "Respect and dignity." Furthermore:

[@fabioferreira8391]

uau this is amazing. this interview is eye opening. Fantastic!!!

[@RealBradMiller]

Ravenne is such a nice name!

[@danielsantos-wh2op]

Dudes, you put more people in prison than Brasil. That deserves a prize.

[@TitoInKilleen]

45:00

[@matthewarmstrong1022]

Get international.. We need you!! You are loved in the Uk and Ireland and no doubt Europe. We're working class too.

[@robertmartinez9084]

Balance of powers is key to democracy.

[@josephmele4796]

Aoc is a breath of fresh air when it comes to Washington politics I hope she.stays in politics and helps this great country grow I love her honorable service go aoc

[@scottbowling58]

SO DID ANYONE EVER EXPLAIN TO HER WHAT A "GARBAGE DISPOSAL" WAS?? SHE'S 30 YEARS OLD AND NEVER HEARD OR SEEN ONE BEFORE. YOU HAVE TO ADMIT, THAT IS PRETTY STUPID.

[@imaboss7498]

why are you yelling

[@hooterdonkey1137]

Nothing like donkey farts to spoil the fresh air

[@areturningdog9722]

35:50

[@matthewarmstrong1022]

You've got weight with your words and we the people love you and want to be safe and protected.

[@gokulbalagopalpayyanur8080]

36:58 I wish Chris Chappell would hear this

[@walterrifle2725]

Its truly amazing AOC holds any public office.

[@randygarrett7299]

No she actually works as a congress woman . And she graduated from Harvard and is wicked smart . Witch is way more than I can say for the MAGA like MTG , Bobart , and the like . Republicans have lowered the bar way way down on people they are willing to run . It’s like the less educated and dumber the better.

[@luisarroniz4279]

You are so inspiring and gives us hope. Thank you AOC! We love you!!

[@JoannaDorian]

it's almost annoying how likeable she is lol

[@lisagarrison9475]

I get what she is saying, and it sounds good, but this means some industrial areas would have to produce the same products without innovation. Everyone gets the same brush, same color, same size. And on and on. This would not be a free democracy, but a rulership.

[@curiosoneee]

Well- KT Kool you have not been paying attention either.

[@davidzdenek4061]

Agreed

[@isisvideoforbiden9662]

a doctor in political science is like first place in the special olympics potato sack race.

[@aultnathanielsz3273]

Dear Alexandria, I'm only about 10 minutes into your speech. You have just finished telling the audience how you were told to approach any major project - design it and know exactly what you're doing step-by-step. I was told to do that too. I listened; I failed; thank God you did not listen, nor did you fail. I'd like to be alive long enough to vote for you from Pres. I'd like to send you some money. I hope I can. With deep affection, I wish you the very best.

[@lorriewarner142]

And just how much of her wealth and privilege has she given back or shared with the rest of us?

[@archangele1]

You want to fix the tax issue? Do away with itemized deductions. Just have a standard deduction for everyone and the rest of income is taxes at a flat rate of like 15%. Period. No more writing off every dollar for the rich so they pay virtually no tax while poor people pay tax on every dollar they make via income tax and especially sales tax since poor people have to spend every dollar they make on necessities and such. I'd bet if this were done the added revenue would cover the cost of health care for everyone.

[@PradyumnaGarnayak-vx8zl]

I just finally said..why I support to u miss Cortez ask if

[@gregorjosuegregory5196]

Cool. 😎

[@dbvazquez13]

What an amazing woman. I know God is with us whenever she speaks.

[@killer1963daddy]

Future president

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

hopefully only in Cuba or Venezuela

[@biografiadeangelitoaguilar2171]

i mean its true

[@TheDrill65]

@8:25 She is saying the truth, you are hearing it from her mouth.

[@barberjourney3698]

Can you elaborate on that

[@user-ns3dq9sh9c]

She talks a great deal, sounds great, uses all the good words, waxes lyrical at length on all the fashionable causes of the moment, but listen carefully, she actually says almost nothing of real meaning or substance. No wonder millennials are so enamoured with her.

[@sandrainternicola9196]

She is a visionary and clearly listens to the people she represents, which is exactly what her job is. I think she could possibly listen more to why people espouse to other political philosophies to build bridges, but the concerns she voices are indeed huge concerns for our countrt.

[@gizmo21187]

@@sandrainternicola9196 she has not spent a day with any of the people she represents

[@stevencalson7375]

I would love to see AOC have a debate with Candace Owens

[@stevencalson7375]

@WILLIAM GRAHAM right AOC is so smart.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2rKfaCigbyeqbc&feature=share

[@stevencalson7375]

@WILLIAM GRAHAM or try this one.

[@stevencalson7375]

@WILLIAM GRAHAM or this one.

[@stevencalson7375]

@WILLIAM GRAHAM or one more based on simple common sense. If if you feel you need to take care of poor people, let me know and I can be your child of need.

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

@WILLIAM GRAHAM - You're an idiot. Candace Owens would destroy AOC and her Marxist Academic Indoctrination with logic, reason, rational and fact based arguments/ truth/ debate.

[@robertdrake1134]

Ok Im going to throw this out there she inspires me like JFK inspired me to believe that we were going to become the country for the people

[@robertdrake1134]

Hey just want to say JFK was inspiring like her hope she doesn't loose her passion because she is right and we need her and when she turns 35 she could be President, IfI see it her opostion can see it and like JFK her opostion can be ruthless lets not be nieve get her some serious security because she just maybe the future of this country. Sorry wish I had not been so nieve in 1963.

[@fredatlas4396]

@@robertdrake1134 You are so right, just wish we had someone like this here in the UK

[@jazzx251]

When I compare her to the very best Presidents throughout history - only Thomas Jefferson comes close to her intellect. She's like him but without any of the slave-owning bullshit hypocrisy that he engaged in. When Alexandria says "Black Lives Matter" - she means it. Unlike Thomas Jefferson - she has a heart of solid gold. Her policies are akin to the most popular President in US history - FDR (The New Deal - 4 terms!). Like him, she is a visionary, but this time saving the planet as well as the economy with her "Green New Deal" The USA is definitely going to be a country you can be proud of with her in charge. Beautiful, intelligent and kind ... I don't think there's a President in the whole of history that had all three (not even JFK). And to those that scoff at my remarks - aren't you just a "little bit" curious? It's like the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" - you have a bazooka pointed at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ... "I'm going to do it!" "No you won't. I know you won't. Because me and you are only passing through history ... she, IS history. You want to see what she's going to do as well as I ... but shoot if you must ..." [lowers the bazooka weeping]

[@professorbernard6576]

@@fredatlas4396 Fellow Brit here. We need someone like this. But after watching this video I feel like pulling my finger out and restarting my activism (which I gave up because of the hopeless situation our country is in)

[@juancarloscoral5259]

AOC is awesome

[@franceaviation6269]

O o o o'reilly auto parts whao

[@juancdnava2209]

I love thos wrs 👏👏⚡

[@gabrielarodriguez1608]

Clever

[@wayneecenbargerfarts2much]

You are in for a treat…

[@robertmartinez9084]

Me too.

[@thelastfeelbender]

I can't wait for her to be elected president in 2024

[@martinwhalley3286]

How awesome for your district. The people enjoy direct access. Conversely, my corporate dem rep is exactly who looks down at progs, but we are coming up t2

[@archangele1]

She hit the nail on the head with respect to our legal system. There are two systems. one for the rich and another for the poor. Initially I thought AOC was an idiot. But as I stepped back and actually took the time to listen to her I totally changed my mind and now fully support most of her ideas and am very impressed with this young lady.

[@Eduardo-do1wx]

Mi nombre es Eduardo Terrazas Para servirles solamente Quisiera hacer el comentario pues como pueden ver ahora por no saber y en inglés más o menos de lo que acabo de ir pues ahora hasta me regañan Pero me gusta el carácter de esta persona y espero que con los años sea una mejor persona de lo que ya es y sobre todo una buena líder en el estado y en el gobierno mis mejores deseos para ella y su vida secular saludos a todos cables you compromiso

[@abadppnicevido2583]

Alexander ocasio Love u sisters ♥️💚🌹

[@manbearpig9911]

🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

[@andrasdudas5084]

51:08 !!!

[@flstffatboy3910]

Not all investments yield positive returns for example if the investment by the college too the student is a loss if not repaid

[@ChristopherShabazz]

She, AOC is a breath of fresh air. The Squad are totally awesome and smart.

[@shankaririse3200]

AOC is already making America great again!

[@FireDude-py6qn]

She didn't do shit for New York how tf did she do anything for america

[@TitoInKilleen]

40:58

[@sarahjay720]

19:15 and thats when you get radical because you said you wondered why

[@sarahjay720]

@Public Opinion she said at some point that she wondered why people call her radical

[@robertmartinez9084]

Speaker of the House

[@robertmartinez9084]

AOC

[@flstffatboy3910]

I was suspended so many times I never ended up in juvenile hall or prison I don’t know how you make that connection suspension leads to prison suspension in school leads to prison that’s crazy

[@omolayomilawal6820]

She isn’t saying it leads to that. She is saying that is the same practice 🤗

[@DougGrinbergs]

5:00 AOC.

[@stephanievulcheva8125]

My cousine (which representes America for Bulgaria, New York university graduate) has pubilcly accused my in social media that I am a criminal, because when i wes 15, I was working in a cafe without a contract, while I was trying to help my mother (single mother). She very well knows that with a contract nobody whould hire me, because the same year the gouvernment has resleased a new regulation - it was forbidden to work under 16.

[@robertmartinez9084]

Michelle/Hilary Dem. NOM.20/24. REAL CHALLENGE. LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE. MAY THE BEST ARGUEMENT WIN. YOU KNOW MY SIDE.

[@matthewarmstrong1022]

Change has to start in America. The person who brings it can't end up like jfk

[@hasmukh2179]

I’m not an AOC fan because of her policies but I got to say she seems genuine in her purpose and can understand why people like her unlike the stuffy suites in Congress. She will go far.

[@toothdoc8206]

amazing

[@sheriquillen4248]

You misspoke she does NOT have a PHD!

[@alexandruma-ta3791]

You all listen to here REALIZE she didn't say nothing?? Really I like you all to respond

[@matthewarmstrong1022]

Protect her

[@bradschak]

I wonder if Ben Shapiro would get this kind of welcome if he were to talk here?

[@lynlynnielyn9188]

His would be better

[@mt00a]

Her story is actually very inspiring for college graduates with a useless degree and without a professional job.

[@jake9854]

ya thats y u have a left wing extremist pushin for communism agenda

[@joekane8026]

It’s easy to make future plans with other peoples money you don’t have yet lol

[@matthewarmstrong1022]

She's the best of you. Keep her safe.

[@zacharyflores8503]

Hi.

[@kayyyj4555]

Ugh I didn't get to see her. The line was so long

[@MrSophbeau]

I love her

[@TitoInKilleen]

She's a beast! The real deal!

[@ricardorodriguez6638]

What a pussy

[@TitoInKilleen]

@@ricardorodriguez6638 Thanks Richard!

[@manbearpig9911]

And you are a brainwashed idiot

[@hooterdonkey1137]

Not a beast, she a hooter donkey!

[@loneranger6524]

Gorgeous AOC 4 President

[@pa7957]

Bye bye 45 ... I love the way she calls Orange face 45 !!!!!!!!!

[@richerreality616]

Love you so much Aoc!

[@jessbishoff1981]

Broaden your horizons

[@joevuzekaz2030]

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez ....every time I listen to her,I feel amazing,secure,at ease,like when I go to church and pray for peace..God bless her.

[@juancdnava2209]

Esacto es mi punto tanto dinero que se da alos departamentos de policia para q para pagar sus erores sus demandas de abuso policial y rasismo todo ese dinero brinda mas paz y seguridad se brinda apoyar atodos los estudiantes en todo tipo de materia y en la comunidad ⚡⚡⚡

[@ms.d5195]

If the US had this woman as its president, the world might change for the better.

[@octavianoontiveros9866]

She is truly spoken and she is my congress woman too and i live in Utah.☺😉🥰

[@miaroberts1529]

AOC has inspired people who had no hope or knowledge of politics to get involved and be informed...hearing someone you can relate to and understand is very refreshing. I love ACO!

[@JoannaDorian]

I am 10 minutes in and I really needed to hear this today...I have homework to do so downloading for later lol

[@marcialguity5804]

Alumni '09. (I do not look like B.D.)

[@marcialguity5804]

🏛️ .... 🤔....Marcial signed out.

[@marcialguity5804]

@cbsNewYork

[@jdmbraceyourself9860]

Wood