During a CNN town hall on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not dismiss the possibility of running against Sen. Chuck Schumer for his Senate seat representing New York, despite receiving mockery for her response to a difficult question.
The Democratic congresswoman from New York participated alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in a discussion focusing on the current government shutdown, where both appeared irked by moderator Kaitlin Collins’ inquiry regarding whether Schumer (D-NY) should be “concerned” about a possible primary challenge.
“I, mean – no,” replied Ocasio-Cortez, clearly flustered and searching for her words. “I don’t think this is about anything.”
“Let me weigh in on this one,” interjected Sanders. “We have a country that is falling apart!”
With laughter, Ocasio-Cortez quickly jumped back in: “This is what we’re talking about! This is exactly what we’re addressing!”
“There’s a housing crisis, a healthcare crisis, an education crisis, extreme income and wealth inequality, a compromised campaign finance system, and the media asks, ‘Are you running? What are you running for?’ Nobody cares!” Sanders expressed passionately.
“Nobody cares!” echoed Ocasio-Cortez, mirroring the sentiments of the socialist senator.
Sanders emphasized, “Why do we have oligarchs gaining more power each day? Let’s concentrate on that issue, not her political career. She will figure that out herself.”
Prior to Collins’ inquiry regarding a challenge to Schumer, Ocasio-Cortez expressed her frustration, stating she is “tired of discussing these political races” and emphasized the need for leadership that focuses on genuine issues affecting people’s lives.
During her remarks, the congresswoman mixed up gases and liquids, stating, “Instead of discussing healthcare; instead of discussing wages; instead of ensuring air is breathable – I mean, air that is breathable and water that is drinkable,” she said.
Sanders, smiling, appeared to find amusement in her slip.
Meanwhile, the White House offered a more pointed critique.
“This is the representative the Democrats chose to defend their reason for shutting down the government,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson remarked on X.
The government has been under a partial shutdown since October 1, with most Democratic senators having repeatedly declined to support a temporary funding bill aimed at reopening the government.
