Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on YouTube
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez views platforms like YouTube, alongside Twitch and X (formerly Twitter), as essential for modern political engagement, using them to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. Her use of these platforms often involves live streaming events, discussions, and even video game sessions, which she has stated helps in humanizing her political persona for her audience. This digital strategy is central to her political brand, allowing her to directly engage supporters on progressive policy points and organizational efforts, reflecting a significant shift in how progressive politicians build and maintain a national profile.
Ocasio-Cortez has also acknowledged the risks associated with social media in general, once calling it a "public health risk," suggesting a nuanced perspective on platform usage despite her active participation.
Context
As a leading figure of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, Ocasio-Cortez has built a significant national presence partly through her mastery of digital communication, often contrasting with the more traditional approaches of established politicians. Her early success in the 2018 primary was heavily supported by progressive online media like The Young Turks, indicating an early recognition of digital platforms' power. Her active use of live streaming on platforms like Twitch (which often features gaming content similar to YouTube streamers) demonstrates a strategy to connect with younger and digitally native audiences. This reliance on direct-to-consumer digital media allows her to disseminate her political message without filtering from mainstream news outlets.
Actions Taken
- Livestream EngagementHosted a Twitch stream playing the game Among Us with fellow congresswoman Ilhan Omar and popular streamers, which peaked at over 400,000 viewers and was noted for humanizing her.
- Livestream FundraisingParticipated in a subsequent Among Us Twitch stream with other political and streaming figures to raise $200,000 for pandemic relief organizations.
Key Quotes
this is why you fight these cowards
Sources5
Ocasio-Cortez's 2020 campaign running workshops on organizing, fighting eviction, and childcare
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez played Among Us on Twitch and broke streaming records
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Fox News and Fox Business mentions in a 42-day period
AOC reacts to border czar Tom Homan calling her 'the dumbest congresswoman ever'
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.