Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has been seizing every opportunity to portray herself as a fierce critic of the Trump administration, and particularly its most ardent supporters, labeling them as “MAGA” – as in “Make America Great Again.”
In a recent interview, Ocasio-Cortez once again attacked MAGA, a term she has repeatedly used to describe not just President Trump and his supporters, but anyone she perceived as being in line with his views. She portrayed MAGA as a symbol of white nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and the erosion of democratic norms.
As such, Ocasio-Cortez sees her role as an attack dog, taking on the task of discrediting MAGA and eviscerating those who subscribe to its principles. Critics argue that her rhetoric is divisive and overly simplistic, while others view her as a champion of progressive causes, using her platform to fight against the forces she perceives as hostile to democracy.
Despite the debate surrounding her tactics, Ocasio-Cortez remains convinced that she is fighting to protect the very fabric of American society. “MAGA is not just a slogan,” she said. “It represents a hollowing out of our democracy, a failure to address the economic crisis, and a disregard for the dignity and humanity of immigrants.”
As the 2022 midterm elections draw near, Ocasio-Cortez hopes to use her vast social media following to rally progressive voters, galvanized by her unwavering opposition to MAGA and her commitment to protecting the safeguarding the cause of social justice and human rights.
In her view, her role is twofold: to attack the MAGA forces, which she perceives as essentially vengeful and corrupt, while also upholding the values of justice, equality, and democracy that she believes are under threat. Critics, however, argue that her divisive rhetoric may unintentionally play into the hands of MAGA, driving emphasis into polarization and further eroding the already fragile social cohesion of American society.