The Rude Pundit: AOC Fucks the Patriarchy's Shit Up

[StarfishSaver]

98. And "freshman" is term for high school and college students that, like "rookie" is now used in other

contexts.

AOC is a rookie.

And, as much as some folk adore her, I don't think she has what it takes to be the House leader. And I doubt she would ever want the job. That's not a knock against her. She's shown herself to be a great new Member, smart, savvy and committed. But different people bring different skills to the House and her skillset is not to be a Speaker, which takes another type of skill that I don't think she necessarily has. A Speaker can't be a maverick but must be a strategist, a conciliator, doing most of their work behind the scenes, pulling their punches and often keeping their mouths shut when some others would love to engage and give back as good as they got. I sincerely doubt that AOC is interested in that kind of role.

Among other things, she'd have to pull back on most of her other activity that she seems to love and is very effective at - for example, she'd no longer serve on Committees. She'd have to spend most of her time presiding, assigning jobs, counting heads and votes, cajoling and negotiating with Members, on the road raising money for her Caucus members and the party. She couldn't be as blunt and honest as she wants to be, couldn't call out Members she disagrees with in the way she does now, and would constantly have to walk fine lines while not stepping on the wrong toes.

Again, so no one flies off the handle, this is NOT a criticism or diminution of AOC and her capabilities. I would say this about many people I admire. For example, I worshiped the ground that John Lewis walked on, but I doubt he would have made an effective Speaker of the House. Elizabeth Warren is a badass Senator, but she would not be a good Senate Majority or Minority Leader.

Everyone brings different talents and aptitudes to politics. AOC surely has brought a lot. But that doesn't mean she is suited for any and every role on the Hill.