Ocasio-Cortez Diverts Discussion on Potential Challenge to Schumer

During an appearance on MSNBC, New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shifted the focus after host Chris Hayes inquired about whether she might challenge Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer.

The Senate was unable to pass a continuous resolution on Tuesday, which left it without the 60 votes needed to overcome the Democrats’ filibuster. This occurred after the House had passed a short-term funding bill on September 19.

Hayes mentioned, “There are concerns about major challenges to Chuck Schumer from the left flank. This is why he is considering shutting down the government. Thus, Ocasio-Cortez is being blamed for the potential shutdown.”

In response, Ocasio-Cortez argued, “This isn’t about me right now. It’s about the well-being of families. I’ve seen speculation from the senator, and certain Republicans in Congress saying, ‘If there’s a shutdown, it’s AOC’s fault.’ Well, if they believe that, my office is open for direct negotiations because I cannot stand by while 4 million Americans lack health coverage.”

Schumer has faced criticism from left-leaning media and Democrats over his choice to support a spending bill favored by Republicans to avert a government shutdown in March. Democrats are seeking over $1 trillion in funding for various initiatives, including the restoration of public broadcasting funds that were reduced in a retirement package approved in July.

Ocasio-Cortez further remarked, “If they believe this is about me, they can come to my office and negotiate because we cannot allow millions of Americans to go without essential medications like insulin and chemotherapy.”