Three great Women. Thank you for not including our Congresswoman Pressley who rarely has anything of substance to say and during her nine years on our City Council, did nothing. Omar and Cortez are unique.
1
It's OK to be outspoken,
When you are right.
But what about when you are wrong.
What about when you get your facts wrong, when your basic assumptions are fundamentally flawed, when your own associations with others prove your hypocrisy, etc.
What about then ?
4
As an American Jew I take offense at your giving a pass to Rep.Omar's blatant anti semitic statements.The last place I would have expected to hear such words would be in the US CONGRESS.I have been a registered DEMOCRAT since my 18th birth day.I am now 76 years old. If she represents the new wave of the Democratic party, then heaven help us.
7
So women should be more power-hungry, more ambitious, more abrasive, more abusive. In other words, more like the men we want to remove from office. We've come a long way, baby.
7
These women are being brash in men's interets, which women have always been allowed to do.
I believe these women are more powerful than men with the same job description. They don't carry the inhibitions men do about the possibility that stepping too far over the line will get your teeth knocked out. About the worst thing you can say about a man is "and he beats up...women."
But like voting, smoking cigars and premature baldness, it's only a matter of time before total equality is acheived.
1
I think the author meant as they re-elect Trump.
2
However your language and discriptions was very disparaging to these women. I protest you riding the fence until the very end.
Bill Clinton did the unimaginable after Reagan, he won over the Reagan independents. Obama never would have had a chance without Bill Clinton. Now, the Democrats have thrown Bill Clinton's playbook into the sewer. The media and especially this newspaper think this wonderful. I guess it is a win-win for the media, they get to strap on their left wing hair chest and then after the re-election of Trump in 2020 they get to count their money. We all know Trump is good for Media Profits. Congrats the house wins again - everything is Vegas.
7
Racist and self justifying fresh-to-power young women who delight in anti-Semitism, anti-1% (and 10% and 49%) ism, and irresponsible speech are a delight to some and a torment to some others. Let 100 flowers bloom!
3
Please don't depict the Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib as some kind of heroes. They are embarrassments to Democrats. One uses vulgar language and follows that up with a platitude of "speaking truth to power". Oh, brother, how sophomoric can you get? The other doesn't bother to hide her bigotry.
Democrats and democratic women can do better than this.
10
I am a left-leaning Trump hater who abhors Republicans and all that they stand for. But if these three obtuse anti-Semites and anti-Western propagandists represent the future of the Democratic party then I will want nothing to do with Democrats any longer. For the sake of our Nation I hope that this is a short-lived aberration.
9
I'm going to give a shot out to a newly elected male politician who was also elected. from Minnesota--Republican Congressman Pete Stauber. He actually seems like a decent elected official. Stauber probably won't be on the cover of Time Magazine or be asked to go on 60 Minutes and that's a good thing. He's been dedicated to public service most of his life. Unlike the three outspoken ladies the Times shamelessly adores Stauber isn't in Congress to feed his ego.
5
I am disappointed that Ms. Cottle chose the "Benjamins" quote to illustrate her point about Rep. Omar. It's insensitive at least and arguably racist. That's representative of gutsiness??? Ms. Cottle and the Times should have better judgement than that.
7
I think Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib show a pathetic lack of judgement.
8
Many people - conservatives mainly, but also some liberals who care about actual justice - have complained for a long time that American feminism is merely a power grab and not a righting of wrongs. Here what we see is the same brash crassness of Trump repackaged, re-purposed, and re-marketed in a hijab and suddenly we have a form of "disruption" we all can live with (because it's not our apple cart being turned over). It would behoove your readers to delve into Arnold Toynbee's magisterial A Study of History and consider his analysis of the way a declining civilization sees an increase in vulgarity and barbarism in art and manners. As the old ethical codes lose their grip on the people they descend into squalid forms of moral and spiritual degradation. For those who think Trump is an outlier - he is not; he is a harbinger of worse things to come not only from the Right but also from the Left as common decency becomes as rare as common sense. Don't say I didn't warn you.
5
Be careful of going on media too much ladies! If the average constituent thinks you have gone "Hollywood"and don't prioritize local opinions, especially if they are not "progressive" as your followers expect now, your terms may be v.short indeed.
History is part of this too. An unmistakably proud woman of Puerto Rican ancestry reminds us that words and attitudes are even more effective than other weaponry. Remember the US House being interrupted in the 1950s? By Puerto Rican radicals some say. AOC is prepared to sit at the table. Smart, fearless and informed. Well prepared to win....and lose. Her Muslim sisters, of cultures whom also know The Ugly American have been placed in America's law making center. They have jobs to do and truth telling is one. So far, so good. Many of their so called colleagues would rather them in subservient roles. Good Luck with that.
4
An interesting editorial and yet . . .
Imagine if Michelle Cottle had taken her own newspaper outlet to task for failing to properly cover these same women during their momentous electoral campaigns—as many other publications did at the time. In such a hypothetical scenario, this would have been a truly courageous editorial.
Instead, the reader is presented with a rather generic think-piece by Cottle about how women politicians are mistakenly assumed by society—but not by the media, apparently—to be more civil and conciliatory than their male counterparts.
This begs the question: Which topic is more important?
1.) Shattering the societal myth that women politicians are political saviors and deft listeners or . . .
2.) Confronting how powerful media outlets, such as The Times, indirectly undermine progressive women candidates?
Note that I do *not* fault Cottle for skirting The Times' much-criticized coverage of these same progressive women. After all, if Cottle had written about topic #2 instead of topic #1, would she still be retained as a member of the Editorial Board at The Times? Speaking truth to power—especially one which gives you a platform—is a very delicate matter.
1
Maybe that depends of *which* stereotype of women.
1
How is this better for the country? Breaking sterotypes aside these three have shown their inexperience, their ignorance about world politics and history and their willingness to demonize their own party as long as it plays to their advantage. I don't see them as a gain to the democratic party or some sort of boon to women's rights. They are the Tea Party of the Left. Extreme, obnoxious and willing to sink the ship as long as they look good while the whole thing burns.
14
I call him "the occupant of the White House" when I want to be polite. Other times, I use more expressive language. Now I learn that House rules require something else. But what is appropriate? "The Successor to the Last Elected President"? "The Pretender to the Throne"? "You-Know-Who"? I'm trying to give him the respect he deserves.
2
To these progressives: You are not gadflies anymore. You want change? You'd need more than aspirations. You are representatives of all of your constituents and of your country. You have to change hearts and minds. You'd better have solid, practical plans for how to achieve your goals.
You have some beautiful goals but you can't shove your visions down people's throats. It has taken 40 years for the Republicans, drip by drip, to bring a large number of voters from a place where adults understood and respected democracy, the Constitution, and, heavens above, each other and differing opinions to where we are now. They sold a bill of goods and lots of voters bought it. Democrats tried to create a more level playing field and McConnell and his minions swore to stop him. Then they agreed to ACA and then cut funds to ensure its
When Bill Clinton introduced his vision of healthcare for all, he said we would all have to make sacrifices for the good of the country. My stomach turned over and then I realized that he was right. It was a wonderful aspiration, and he was my guy. He lost the vote, and I think that made it clear that the idea that
You have to make people understand WHY it's in their own interests to help less fortunate people.
3
Please stop calling them outspoken.
Men are not called outspoken.
They are called leaders.
These women are stepping into a leadership void where no one else appears to have the courage to lead.
Thank you.
3
This article misses the essential point that these women political leaders signify a return to matriarchy. Matriarchy does not mean the opposite of patriarchy (women instead of men rule), but women building consensus along with men in a just society that benefits all. Matriarchy does not mean being loud, aggressive, impulsive and egocentric like patriarchs are. Matriarchy is the gift economy, not the exchange economy and all that this entails.
2
Somehow this article failed to cover the intersectionality angle of the story. All of the featured progressive fresh-women are ladies of color. Where are the progressive white female legislators? The answer: usually acquiescing to white male patriarchy like Susan Collins in the Brett Kavanaugh debacle. If women truly wish to achieve equality, there must a closing of the fissure between white women and women of color. Succiinctly, are white women really about "Me Too" or do they want to be maintained on the white male privilege pedestal.
2
I only worry that with their anti-moderate rhetoric and attempts to primary out moderate Democrats they are hurting the party more than helping it. You aren't going to build a nationally effective party with just progressives.
7
Perhaps they, as well as the rest of Congress could stop pandering, and, instead focus on bettering the country. It seems between the media and the politicians, we, the citizens have been forgotten.
6
I'm reminded of the brash, confident, and prickly "freshman classes" of 1994 and 2010 on the right. Those were more sizable cohorts than the "outspoken women" class of 2018, but the media loved all of them, and the congress was/is uneasy about them, because they promise(d) fresh air in governance, change and empowerment, and honest/candid talk instead of platitudes and hot air.
I'm all for the fresh air, the change and empowerment, and the honest/candid talk, so long as it doesn't alienate and dis-integrate the electorate. And I do hope that the Outspoken Women will keep their eyes on the prize, and help with the coalescing and unification that progressives so desperately need to take back the white house in 2020.
4
the 3 furies are an incredible gift to the right wing and the reelection of Trump.
A perfect wedge in the Democratic Party.
If do anything at all, they will solidify Trump's appeal to traditional Democrats, in your face, aggressive, irresponsible, undermining Israel's security.
9
so the conclusion is women are politicians to.
All fury, lots of sound, not much of anything else.
10
Well...yes. The stay and home and mind the knitting types are...at home...knitting. And there's nothing wrong with that. Men knit too, BTW. Women with ambition...women with a thirst for power and recognition are rolling up their sleeves and taking to the ramparts. Good for them.
Oh, and while we're at it...Kamala Harris does not exactly qualify as a wilting violet. My own former congresswoman, now Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand is no lightweight either. And yes, Hillary Clinton was not content to stay home and bake cookies.
So, here's a thought...let's treat ambitious, forthright women with the same respect...and reservations with which we regard men. And then pick the best person to challenge the worst president this country has ever had...Donald Trump.
5
To sharon5101, who wrote: "Thanks to Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib I will never vote for another Democrat again."
I haven't voted for a Republican since the 1992 Republican National Convention. I decided that any candidate or elected official who could support the GOP's celebration of runaway greed, hatred, bigotry, and religious extremism and intolerance had no place in elected office. I could not, and cannot, support any of it as a matter of conscience. Newt Gingrich carved my position into stone for me. The party is taken over by greedmongers, anti-scientist and anti-education types, and religious extremists.
7
"But already they’re doing their best to dismantle one of the most tiresome and inaccurate stereotypes in politics: that women lawmakers are inherently more civil, more collaborative, less power-hungry and less personally ambitious than men."
-------
That's stereotype that has been promoted by women themselves, in order to support the idea more women be elected, so we have a more representative body of elected officials.
I'm glad to see a woman writer object to it.
1
Members of the House of Representatives are legislators, meant to pass laws for the good of the nation. They are part of a team, who must work together for the greater good of their party and fellow citizens.
By furthering the megalomania of these Congresswomen, The Times is aiding the Republicans who seek to retain the reins of government. Social media may feed their egos, but it won’t keep them in the majority. That would require selflessness and teamwork with moderates, who hold the balance of power.
8
While their brash style sometimes startles me, I am delighted to see these women. Republicans have been playing hardball against our Democratic whiffle ball for too long. These ladies will give as good as they get, and then some. We need to take the Senate and then see what we can do.
59
@Madeline Conant
I love the spirit and fight. But if they do it using Trump's tactics, albeit with a more subtle racism, is that really a win? Or is it a recipe to divide the party?
4
@Madeline Conant Same here, the most exciting thing to happen in the House since I was born!
2
@Madeline Conant
That would require moderate Senate candidates in those few states that are in play. These Congresswomen don’t seem to want to play ball with compromisers.
2
Great as long as they enthusiastically support the final candidate and don't do a Bernie Busters or Nadar Naysayers and give Trump 4 more years. The proof will be in the pudding. Do they want to win or just make statements? It's a crucial time.
4
Ocasio-Cortez is calling for a 70% top marginal tax rate on incomes above $10 million.
The probability of the 2020 election resulting in a change that significantly reverses the massive shift in the in the tax burden away from the rich and onto the middle class is still very probably low as long as the Democrats continue to combine such tax proposals with plans to spend the proceeds on various social programs. However, a plan to raise taxes on those incomes above $10 million and use all of the proceeds to reduce the taxes on everyone else might have a much higher probability of being enacted.
It is hard to envision the Democrats being politically savvy or ideologically flexible enough to embrace a policy of directly shifting the tax burden away from the middle class and onto the rich. The Democrats have generally been deluded in their belief that the current level of taxes on the middle class is politically sustainable. In Hilary Clinton's speech announcing her candidacy, she said that the middle class pays too much taxes. She never mentioned a middle class tax cut again. Most Democrat politicians are not aware that by far the best thing government could do for most middle-class households would be to lower their taxes. Thus, voters have been willing to grasp at any chance they think could lower their tax burden, and thus support candidates who promise them a tax cut, no matter how odious the candidates might be otherwise..."
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4247022
3
Congresswoman Omar's remarks were not anti-Semitic. They were directed at the money put into the political process by lobbyists for Israel. Her remarks were, if anything, anti-lobbying ~ and I am wholly supportive of anti-lobbying viewpoints.
Israel and Jewish folks are not lobbyists, so why are people confusing the two?
I think the answer lies with the media, who, rather than performing their job of informing their readers, have simply ~ literally ~ cashed in on the controversy in order to sell papers.
Yes, Rep. Omar needs to learn how to more deftly express herself, which time and experience will correct.
What news organizations need to do is stop inflaming controversies for their own profit and get back to educating and informing readers. Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow must be spinning in their graves at what the media has become in our profit crazy society.
13
@Susan - Perhaps you should read the Times more carefully. Several news articles as well as a couple of op-eds explained quite clearly why Omar's remarks were anti-Semitic.
5
@Susan The influence of lobbyists on government is well known. Why did Omar single out the Jews, & do so with offensive & familiar anti-semitic tropes?
I would have preferred to have read an analysis on whether these outspoken progressive women are helping or hindering efforts to get Trump out of the White House and the GOP out of the Senator majority. My guess is the latter.
8
One of my favorite sayings is that "well-behaved women rarely make history." I'm rooting for these women, and others who will join Congress, to make positive change.
8
Yes. These women expose the Democrat Party as the party of Marxism and anti-Semitism.
Keep up the good work.
11
It's all about the Benjamins." Shame on you, Gray Lady.
12
It disgusts me to see the New York Times characterize hate speech directed at Jews as being outspoken. If the same words uttered by Omar and Tlaib were said by Republicans I doubt the NYT or its readers would be so complimentary.
18
@Dana
Huh, guess we are even; as I find those that act disingenuous and misstate others to be disgusting.
Sadly we have proof that at least a few find that to be complimentary.
3
Yay.
2
They were sent to Washington by their districts to shake things up, and shaking things up they are. Just like Trump was sent to Washington to shake things up. All of them are shaking up Washington. They, unlike Trump, are asking the right questions. They are all exposing the corruption and cronyism in Washington. You can’t do that by sitting quietly and crossing your legs.
6
Against the Misogynist in Chief, these great women are the perfect affront.
3
We don't use the devil as our example.
Only progressives would think “making waves” with anti-Semitic rhetoric was “cool.”
18
how can you call Maine's Susan Collins a moderate. she has just voted for cavanaugh for supreme Court. an accused rapist. she is a typical pseudo moderate that works hard to maintain the GOP current status quo
3
@sally B. - "an accused rapist."
Key word accused. And the accuser's accounts of the alleged events had holes in it big enough to drive through. Let's move on.
1
My final submission.
1) I see these three women as the wave of our necessary future. I will follow each as closely as possible.
2) The comments and replies are an education in themselves. I learn so much and only wish that just once the Times would enlist the right kind of scholar to read every single one, today 859, and report on what that scholar finds of interest. Since I had no idea what a Benjamin was and no reporter seemed interested in explaining, I here thank the many comment and reply writers who have explained. I also not that quite a few, including some self identified as Jews, supported Ilhan Omar fully.
3) I wrote exactly what I wanted to say about the 3 and in so doing managed to set a new record, not a single rec for 2 and 3 for the 3d. I value any single reply as being equal to between 10 and 30 recs and have only one question. At my AO-C comment I called attention to the dramatic project in progress in Norway with Sweden as partner, a project to capture CO2 and sequester it 1000 meters down in the ocean. I thought someone might find that of interest. I guess not.
Thanks New York Times for the comment system and thanks all 859 minus mine. You have made this a very interesting Friday and just now beneath this box I see 2 Times Picks, sharon5101, well known to me, and Jaden Cy, brand new. Read them, worlds apart! I will reply to Jaden Cy and then end.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
3
Thanks for the heads up Larry
Perhaps New York Times may want to be careful and rephrase as to how they describe these ladies. There is no need to label them outspoken when they are merely expressing alternative perspective.
For example, they will oppose annexation of Golan Heights, only thing it will bring is more tension in the region. I am sure Trump will label them anti-Israel to get re-elected. After-all he is no different from Bill Clinton the wannabe Savior of African American in whose tenure largest number of African American were incarcerated ... go figure the logic.
2
In his poem, "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front", Wendell Berry advised, "So long as women do not go cheap for power, please women more than men." Female lawmakers are enmeshed in a patriarchal structure defined by the pursuit and exercise of power. Fortunately, it appears that several of the freshmen Democratic women, rather than going "cheap for power" (e.g., accepting campaign donations from powerful interests) are determined to pursue power by articulating principled positions (the Green New Deal is, above all, a statement of principles), speaking truth to power (e.g., climate change is an urgent problem), and fighting on behalf of those people and communities who are the victims of the "creative disruption" so prized (and handsomely rewarded) by "the market". Despite disagreeing with the Furies on many particulars, I appreciate the new perspectives they bring and I respect their passion in pursuit of justice and human dignity.
5
A Democratic Party that can't find it's way in clearly condemning antisemitism and repudiating one of it's own's infractions on that count has lost me.
10
Its like you folks at the Times dont even try and hide it anymore. If a Republican said the things Omar said, you in the media would lash out in outrage until they stepped down. Now really imagine ff any Republican said "were going to impeach the mother......." about Obama. Let that sink in for a second. What would the reaction be?
Gee, they are really outspoken?
No matter yopur opinion of Trump, if you cant recognize this blatant hypocrisy, dont sit there and think youre one of the smart folk. I just dont know what to tell you.
16
@Sports Medicine I suppose you've never heard the name Steve King and have missed all the foul mouthed nonsense from the so called president.
2
@Sports Medicine Were you demanding the media lash out in outrage until McConnell resigned for statements such as "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president?" or maybe Meadows for saying Obama should be "sent back home to Kenya or wherever?" Or is it the expletive that bothers you? I recognize the blatant hypocrisy here, and it's not by the Times.
2
Ms. Cottle extols "abrasive, ambitious, and in-your face glory" seekers.
These are ugly traits in our political representatives, whether male or female.
10
These women are a disaster area. Trump is going to use "The Terrible Three" to get himself re-elected. Time to Wake Up.
The NYT got the last Presidential Election completely wrong.
In fact, I find it amazing the Sulzberger's didn't fire the Executive Editor, but that is another story.
9
Lean in. These women have a message for that bunch of tired old lizard loungers. Listen up!
6
A real God-send for the Republicans.
13
Shake it up, Baby!
5
Ladies, be like Jacinda Ardern, not Mitch McConnell!
6
If you stop and think for yourself for a minute, you'd realize you are being lead around by folks who are depending on lies and deception to gain power.
Had a Republican woman said "“We’re gonna impeach the [expletive]!” about Obama, would the Times call that being "outspoken"?
Would it be lauded and celebrated as an achievement for women?
Thats what you are being told, and asked to defend and support.
When considering this outrageous double standard, doesnt it make you feel had? Just a little?
Perhaps its time for moderate Democrats to consider the fact that their party is taking them for fools.
9
The "Terrible Three" are doing their very best to re-elect Donald Trump. I have every confidence they will succeed. They are very hard working women; however, misguided.
12
These are the people that the establishment politicians as well as the establishment media fear. They are willing to rock the corrupt boat that is the entire fabric of the United States. They, like the rest of middle America have seen enough of how the entire establishment works for the donor class and not for their constituents. You see and you will see even more concerted efforts by the establishment media and the establishment politicians to smear these congress people. They will also smear the ones that are now willing to challenge the establishment incumbents who are owned, through the campaign cash spread around by "money raiser" Nancy Pelosi and there is already rumblings within the Democratic party to primary these people because they are rocking their corrupt boat. Bring on even more Justice Democrats and lets get our democracy out of the hands of the plutocrats and back into the hands of the people.
3
In your opinion, blatant anti-Semitism is 'an unpalatable direction' or 'a flirtation with anti-Semitic stereotypes'. In my opinion, anti-Semitism is blatant racism and should be roundly condemned, especially by our elected leaders. The Jews in Germany said 'it can't happen here'. It can and it did. You seem like you would let it happen here.
6
@Robert There was nothing anti-semetic about holding the right-wing government of Israel to account.
2
Hey all you trolls espousing civility. Please tell me how, in any conceivable way, these women are worse than Donald Trump, Brett Kavanaugh, Steve King, or--for that matter--Mitch McConnell? At least they are aiming at improving the country instead of owning it.
7
These are three women out of many Freshmen, many of whom are not as far to the Left as these women. This is the NYT again jumping on the bandwagon to pigeonhole the Democrats and feed into Republican narrative of an extremist Democratic Party. Nice photo, three women of color, to further frame the story the way Fox News portrays it.
Sad to see the supposedly liberal media get played again and again and again. They’re so smart, and yet they never learn.
Hey, how about some more articles on Hilary’s emails?
6
Since when is the blatant anti-Semitism expressed by Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlalib a cherished progressive virtue?? Rashida Tlabib wrapped herself in a Palestinian flag after she as elected to an American Congress yet no one has accused her of dual loyalty. Rashida Tlabib is going to be in for a terrible let down since Nancy Pelosi took impeaching Donald Trump off the table. Ilhan Omar rubbed salt into old wounds by implying that all Jews cared about was money and controlling Congress with her now infamous "it's about the Benjamins baby" cheap shot tweet. All of her hypocritical apologies is never going to change what she really thinks of the Jews. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is blessed by having a fawning mainstream media at her feet. AOC was on 60 minutes five minutes after she was elected and now she's on the cover of Time Magazine. Who cares that she chased thousands of potentially good paying jobs out of New York City when she chased Amazon out of Long Island City? AOC is the media's Flavor of the Month and she can do no wrong. I'm surprised that Nancy Pelosi hasn't handed AOC her Speaker's gavel in the name of diversity and passing the torch on to the next generation.
Oh these women have changed the Democratic party alright. But not for the better.
12
If the press keeps putting these on the front page Republicans will control all 3 branches in 2020 election
13
Its great to see younger people in congress pushing and challenging with new ideas! That can be a good thing! I also think seeing these women can be a role model for younger people (including my daughter).
What I don't like is the liberal press giving them a free ride. Ocasia-Cortez has made so many comments that prove her ignorance on so many issues its scary. If you scratch the surface and she seems to know very little.
Ilhan Omar is a clear anti-semite but the democrats and the press seem not to want to "call her out" When she uses words that have been used for centuries that define a person as an anti-semite like accusing people of having dual loyalties, why isn't she immediate demonized?
When Rashida Tlaib calls for impeachment (as much as we all want Trump to go) but where is the due process? Why not wait for the Mueller report?
Until we start holding these newbies to real standards no benefits will come from them
6
If Ayanna Pressley had really wanted to be a firebrand, she wouldn't have referred to trump “the occupant of the White House". She would have called him the "occupier"; there's a subtle difference.
20:05 EDT, 3/21
3
If a Republican female rep said " “We’re gonna impeach the [expletive]!" about Obama, would the media call them "outspoken"?
Would they be described as "shattering stereotypes"
Would they be celebrated?
We all know the answer to this, but the folks here are lauding it.
When you apply completely different standards, its called a double standard, and when you do that, you lose all credibility. Supporting these women out of some new progressive hope is building a house on wet sand. Its a pity these folks consider themselves "smart".
7
Can men be outspoken?
3
They will not sit down and shut up, and stay in the back of the Bus. “ still, she persisted “. Persist, Women, Persist.
3
These three young ladies have a lot more support than the MSM news cartel would have you believe.
2
Mr. Cotte, when you get the first chance to characterize Ms. Omar, you threw out a big hat - "This month she chided Democrats for what she saw as an overreaction to Ms. Omar’s flirtation with anti-Semitic stereotypes." I think this is very inappropriate for you as a member of the editorial board You are probably more to use biased words like that.
2
"Outspoken" = refreshing.
2
It’s obvious the NYT wants to lionize these women but as you can see in many of the comments, there are many of us not buying it.
These women have accomplished nothing.......not one thing except nasty behavior & name calling though they all seem to self assured that they’re such great politicians.
These very women are the reason we dems will give Trumo a second term. The writing is already on the wall....
12
@There Did you see the hearing where AOC questioned Michael Cohen like a seasoned DA? Enough said.
1
This article failed to mention newly-elected California representative, Katie Porter, law professor at UC Irvine. Watch her.....she will make an impact.
5
Ironic to hear the Republicans whine about the language of these outspoken women, when their president oozes slime and vile fifth-grade insults. These tough guys can dish it out but can’t take it.
6
@Grey
Yes, it is ironic but no excuse to get down in the sewer with them.
People know who the Republicans are no matter their feigned indignation. That's why we voted for the Dems in hopes of civility and a return to a normalcy of sorts only to have them create more drama - the perfect fodder for media obsession and more non stop news cycles making Cortez one of the most recognized names in the Country.
1
The slow and painful suicide of the Democratic Party continues. Hard to watch.
9
Three examples of society gone awry. Shades of Sharpton, Pelosi, Schumer and Booker. Hard to ignore thanks to shrill seeking, largely ignorant and psychopathic followers within a largely uninformed, uneducated populace. While minescule in number, notoriously obvious and irritating. But, with the growing division in our country one can only hope that reality will bite. And bite hard!
5
Sorry to say but these three immature fools will reject Trump.
1
@a Democrat Only if real live people don't vote. Then like last time Trump will be on the heads of the non- voters.
Why shouldn't Ayanna Pressley have referred to trump as “the occupant of the White House”? That's just stating a fact. Though, she could have used the word "occupier"; there's a subtle difference.
10:55 EDT 3/22
After getting through most of the piece proving that political women, as such, are indistinguishable from men, your find yourself compelled to walk it back in the penultimate paragraph. Then again, this IS the identity-obsessed, nose-counting, “diversity”-addled NYT, and it will not do to present evidence that identity and diversity are profoundly stupid considerations.
On paper, AOC was ideologically almost indistinguishable from the white man she replaced. But the leftists in her district – and at large – aren’t happy with electing mere socialists, they want ”diverse” socialists. So, too, respecting the presidency, not a few Dems actually – publicly, unapologetically – say, in effect, that no straight white males need apply. This despite the fact that, as you prove, there is, demonstrably, no difference in the way that women and men - politically - act. Put the Dem candidates together and, if you masked the voices and made them audition behind a screen, you couldn’t tell the difference.
In short, you prove, through 4/5ths of this piece, that the entire identity politics edifice is constructed on a foundation of lies.
7
@Brenda What a load of garbage. There are true revolutionaries like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and there is the establishment like Joe Biden and Corey Booker and Amy Klobuchar and then there are the incrementalists like Kamala Harris and the rest of the crowd.
1
These women represent the worst that America can offer. AOC is like a child who has yet to understand reality or money as she recommends ideas that are ridiculous and childlike. She pretends to have an understanding of economics however in reality knows nothing. The other two are radical members of the left wing tyranny who , besides being anti-Semitic, are uneducated individuals filled with hatred. If this is the future of the Democrat Party, it will be crushed because the exposure of these frauds will destroy them.
11
These women are working and fighting for you dear Americans. The occupant of the WH together with the likes of Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell are only looking out for themselves. And any means are acceptable to them, lying; disrespecting war heroes; disabled people; women; supporting (not condemning) white supremacist ... basically giving up any civility.
5
Thanks to Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib I will never vote for another Democrat again.
44
@sharon5101, thanks to Steve King and Mitch McConnell I will never vote for another Republican again.
57
@sharon5101
As if you've ever voted for a Democrat in the past. Sorry, not buying it. If Trump doesn't make you want to run from the Republicans...then you were never a real Democrat to begin with.
33
@sharon5101
If you were ever really a democrat, that would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face!
6
While I can appreciate their enthusiasm and energy, I do find myself slightly troubled by some of their more caustic and provocative sentiments. Almost all long-term, successful solutions are those that settle in the middle; extreme positions are virtually always countered by opposing extremes. As the saying goes, moderation is key.
8
"Who knows how the rookies will affect the Democratic brand. But already they’re doing their best to dismantle one of the most tiresome and inaccurate stereotypes in politics: that women lawmakers are inherently more civil, more collaborative, less power-hungry and less personally ambitious than men."
My judgement is on hold on that. Certainly, the fact that they are more outspoken and sometimes more verbally harsh doesn't necessarily translate into being less civil, less collaborative, more power-hungry, and more personally ambitious than men.
I don't compare them to all men, because they are of the unique class of people who seek public office. So, I have to compare them to the men in public office; more, to the men in Washington, since they are now in office in Washington. And I'll make a more specific comparison: to the men who dominate the GOP in Washington.
Given that, from the small sample we have to go on since they were inaugurated, they're still more civil, more collaborative, less power-hungry and less personally ambitious than the GOP men. By a far margin if you include Donald Trump.
But then, Trump is only nominally a Republican, so...
The sampling is too small for me to be willing to project trends. We'll see.
3
These newly elected congresswomen act as if the Dems have already taken back both houses of Congress and the presidency. They are the left wing version of Trump; loud, uninformed, and divisive, but well loved by their base. Trump could not have asked for 3 better Dems to drive mainstream Americans to vote for him.
12
Their opinions are not new but there are better ways to bring them up for debate than crude language though that certainly isn't new either. At least no one is throwing shoes.
4
These three are the best campaign platform for the Republicans.
11
The only way I could be happier about these women in Congress would be to wake up tomorrow morning and find Lisbeth Salander is Speaker of the House.
32
@Jaden Cy - Jaden Cy, as I wrote my final submission, I saw below the box sharon5101 and Jaden Cy, so I ended my submission by pointing to the two of you.
Since I am reporting from Sweden I especially appreciated your dream of Lisbeth Salander as Speaker of the House.
A Wonder Woman to replace a Nowhere Man, what could be better.
Enjoy your TGIF.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
8
@Larry Lundgren
The Speaker of the House is not a "Nowhere Man," it's a woman named Nancy Pelosi whom all three of these representatives vote in favor of.
The commenter you replied to appoarently wants a fictional Stieg Larsson character to come and enact revenge on the Democratic Speaker of the House that these three fine women all voted for.
2
Democrats vs. Republicans. Male vs. Female. Maybe we will all be able to figure it out when the system isn't rigged by divisiveness. Maybe when, instead of hearing or seeing someone through the one's individual gender bias, we begin constructively hearing what someone is saying and why they are saying it - and seeing them, not just because of a pretty face etc... but because of their story. Even if you find the personality behind it annoying. I find opinions such as this one, extremely unhelpful and sad.
8
Hang the consequences, I would like to see these brave women use their influence to bring about change to the suppression of women in Saudi Arabia, which only exists thanks to the US.
2
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, these newcomers are strong and tough, and I appreciate their fearlessness, and that they bring fresh perspectives to the table. On the other hand, they also have a lot to learn, and could take some lessons from seasoned politicians like Nancy Pelosi. It's the difference between using a hammer and a scalpel--sometimes one works better than the other; it's knowing when and how to use them. The most important thing now is for the party to find a unifying candidate and message. That said, I have to laugh at the New York Post with its constant berating of Ocasio-Cortez. Quintessential Murdochian moves to appease Trump and his base, but it's so obvious and beginning to look ridiculous.
5
Yawn. Of course women are as ambitious, etc., as men. If they'd have the same chances as men, they'd have retired this debate 200 years ago. But as much as I agree with their positions, I do wish that these women - and every other woman and man too - would stick to policy and ditch the cheap rabble-rousing applause lines.
6
Give these three people a chance to do their jobs.
2
There is a difference between being aggressive and obnoxious. At the end of the day effectiveness does not correspond with insult and venom. The incumbent President is example number one. How can the Democrats criticize the GOP for insularity if their loud and proud freshmen want to lead purges of the "big tent"? Isn't that strategy just a Blue version of the Freedom Caucus?
5
If one finds these women offensive in their outspokenness, then I submit Ted Cruz, Tom Cotten and the Coterie of Nasty and Offensive Republicans already fouling the nest of our national legislature. The men get a pass, but not the women? A "kinder and gentler America" approach is long gone (if indeed it really existed) and we need fighters to combat the party of Trump.
5
So let me get this straight—this article is celebrating the political rise and fame of female politicians while simultaneously saying they share all the same characteristics that make men allegedly “toxic” and at fault for all that is wrong in Washington. This would seem to be a self-defeating argument for why we need more women, as opposed to men, in office. You can’t have it both ways. Either women bring some different to the table and are justified in asserting their gender as an asset, or they aren’t. Which is it?
8
They are loud, they are microphone-grabbing, they are brash, they are unapologetic. They also have essentially zero grasp of policy, disrespect norms of human decency, and foment controversy wherever they go, drawing attention to themselves at every chance instead of the policies they presumably want to support.
Is this really what our politics needs?
17
You just described trump
4
The coterie of Omar, Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib are very much in line with President Trump. They have no political experience, their views are divisive, they acknowledge and publicly confront their political enemies. You are either for them or against them; there is no middle ground with them and they take no prisoners.
The elder Democrats see through this trio like a cheap negligee, just as their Republican counterparts do with Trump. At some point their seemingly unstoppable force is met by an immovable object. So settle in and get ready for the show.
10
It is high time that willing women take power in our governments state and national. I am sick of our male centric society. I think we as a people will be better off.
The fact that they are new to the game and women is the difference between these "furies" and other women who are either generationally more taciturn or are more inbred from a dominant culture, perhaps. While I'm not pleased by the language of some, I'll follow Pelosi's lead on that, too. It's entirely refreshing to see and hear the new tone, challenge to the current climate, and some kind of small stirring of hope for new ideas that can not only accompany these new members of the house, but change things.
I for one am delighted to see the Democratic establishment disrupted by what you have termed incivility. I see the hope for our future in leaders like Representatives Omar, Tlaib and Ocasio-Cortez. All of these women ran strong grassroots campaigns with no money from PACs or special interests. They are free to speak the truth as they see it. Fighting fiercely for universal healthcare, economic justice and the environment is the right thing to do. They are working within the system to make a better country. Isn't that how Democracy is supposed to work? Personally I see much more incivility coming from the administration and Republican establishment politicians who are stacking the courts with ideologues, attacking the free press, and embracing racists and white supremacists. Long live the freshman Furies!
4
These ladies are already proving their mettle, especially Ilhan Omar, like David challenging the Goliath, she has provoked the powerful AIPAC and apologists for the Palestinian oppression, yet she is still standing.
I don't see that Rashida Tlaib has done much yet. Calling for impeachment is a no-brainer - since the Democrats have portrayed Trump as a racist, would be fascist dictator.
Denying the voters the impeachment process would be rather anti-climactic, with the Democrats losing credibility and the Republicans vindicated for supporting Trump. I don't understand Pelosi's opposition to Trump's impeachment.
Does she have inside info about the investigations?
Many don't understand how influential OAS has become. By articulating an ideal vision of her Green New Deal, every Democratic presidential candidate is defined by how socialistic they are -- AOS is now a king-maker.
The ladies punch above their weight.
5
The biggest service these women are doing is resuscitating the corpse of the Democratic Party. They are indispensable, and we need many more like them, of any gender or ethnicity.
3
These "outspoken woman" are giving woman a bad name. They appear to be saying whatever pops into their heads without much thought to the consequences of the words. AOC is the most media followed politician in the country second only to President Trump. The things she says are not practical to implement and most often downright ludicrous. "Free" everything doesn't work and never will. People that think "Free" everything will actually be viable haven't a clue on how things really work. Everything must be paid for by someone. There isn't any such thing as "Free". As far as the new Muslim Congresswoman, she has already proven to be a liability to the Democrats and a God sent to the Republicans. She is anti-Semitic without a doubt. You can't take back what she said. I'm sure there will be more to come from this totally biased person in the future.
8
And let us not forget Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra etc, etc.
3
The press has given far too much attention to these three. Just because they are outspoken does not make them newsworthy. Dem's took back the House on a voter surge and backlash in the center, not to the crazies.
They do a complete disservice to the Dem party because they can't keep their mouths shut. This makes them fodder for Trump and adds to the national polarization. I'm sick of all of them.
10
Michelle Cotttle writes "Let's hear it for the freshman Furies". For over two years, from other people we have heard "Let's hear it for Donald Trump" applauding the same behavior.
Shame on you Ms. Cottle for advocating behavior displayed by Donald Trump. Who cares if it's from a man or a woman? It's deplorable.
4
Pandering populism disguised as 'authenticity'... irresponsible claims about future achievements without any substance... vile divisive rhetoric against minorities propagated as 'tough talk'.
Donald Trump? No, the subjects of your article.
Really, we don't see the irony?
As the pendulum swings wildly like an unhinged gate in the wind, these posers are the blowhards, just the president we're all trying to unseat.
3
But where is the coherence of thought and action to move us forward? More than anything I want the abomination in the White House gone, but unless these women and their fellow lawmakers get it together and form a cohesive strategy and vision for our country, the tired old white guys, like me, will continue to call the shots. Tweeting, as we have learned from the thing at 1600, is not a substitute for legislative action, and is more of a cause than a cure for the ills which effect our nation. Where are the ideas? Let’s quit reacting to stupid and get a real plan for the betterment for the country or the GOP will continue to run roughshod over us.
4
The 3 new congresswomen aren't the antidote to Trump, they are the Trumps of the left.
64
@PWR
"The 3 new congresswomen aren't the antidote to Trump, they are the Trumps of the left."
Not even close. Unless investigation turns up decades of criminal activity, lies, sexual assault, racism, bigotry, sexism, inhumane callousness, and huge hints of behavior bordering on treason. In fact, while Trump (and let's not forget, many GOP seat holders in Congress) lies like a dog (with Trump the undisputed All Time Champion), we've yet to see any of these women caught in an outright lie. And, the jury is still out on (but looking askance at) Ilhan Omar with bigotry.
Also, the antidote to Trump wold have to be a President. These women are looking to recenter America by bringing immense pressure from the left. They seem intelligent enough to realize that their sometimes revolutionary ideas won't prevail, but they certainly have a pretty good chance of shifting the debate so that the result is further left than what we have now. What we have now is a tyranny of the right based on the smoke and mirrors of a charismatic demagogue and a GOP that has been steadily eroding ethics, and at least the spirit of the Constitution, for some time now.
The tug towards the far right has been incremental. There are issues that are too urgent to tug left that way. Especially if scientists are right about global warming and climate change.
23
@Barry Williams Trump has several decades on them, so we'll see what the future brings with these three. Omar has already faced controversies over her use of campaign funds, her support of American ISIS fighters, her anti-semitic remarks, & allegations that she married her brother to defraud our Immigration Services. She denies everything, but then, of course, so does Trump. Ocasio-Cortez faces a controversy over her being on the board of a PAC that gave her money. Her fight against Amazon is also controversial. The third woman featured so far has not demonstrated much of anything but a fondness for foul language. None of them have yet shown any significant accomplishment, other than being divisive & controversial, like Trump.
4
@C.H. Anti-zionism is not anti-semitic. Many of us are very tired of listening to all this nonsense from Jews defending Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu is a crook just like Trump and should indicted sent to prison along with his crooked wife and son. He has no interest in a two state solution. To date, the United States has provided Israel $134.7 billion to Israel (current, or non-inflation-adjusted, dollars) in bilateral assistance and missile defense funding. Those supporting Israel in the US are the same whites who are oppose to reparations for African Americans and anti-immigrant Jews are the richest people in the US. Amongst Jews, in 2016, Modern Orthodox Jews had a median household income of $158,000, while Open Orthodoxy Jews had a median household income of $185,000 (compared to the American median household income of $59,000 in 2016). According to the Jewish Agency, for the year 2017 Israel is home to 6.5 million Jews (49.3% of the world's Jewish population), while the United States contained 5.3 million (40.2%). Maybe American Jews should privately subsidize Israel since I don't my tax dollars going to support the Likud party and Netanyahu just like I don't want my tax dollars supporting Trump at Mar a Lago.
1
I would be very happy to identify with these three women if I was not made to feel inferior for being Jewish. My identity is an accident of birth, I should not be marginalized based on my ethnicity. If I were an Irish or an African American, I would not have been accused of having allegiance to Ireland or an African nation. I am a proud progressive Democrat, and hope that my fellow progressive Democrats will continue to promote and serve the values that we hold dear.
153
@Jill Horowitz Exactly. How am i supposed to support someone who believes that condemning without reservation "Ms. Omar's flirtation with anti-Semitic stereotypes" is an overreation? And if she had flirted with racist stereotypes of Muslims or Blacks? Should we have not reacted the way we do when Donald flirts with such stuff? I am disgusted with the tolerance and enthusiasm for Judeophobia that is now widespread on the left, perhaps as much as on the right...
22
@Jill Horowitz
I understand your concern. Obviously Jewish people shouldn't be marginalized. But this is not at all what progressives have suggested, much less advocated. What was brought to the fore by them is the simple fact that legislators are in some cases receiving a lot of money from pro-Israel lobbying groups, just like they are receiving a lot of money from many other lobbying groups. That's why the comment, "It's all about the Benjamins." No one should be able to buy political influence, whether they are Jewish, Roman Catholic, Buddhist, or whatever.
If you are still skeptical, research the issue some more for yourself. You will find that many liberal-leaning Jewish organizations took no offense at Tlaib's comment and actually support her position.
25
@Jill Horowitz - I am not aware of any African American being accused of allegiance to an African nation except perhaps for President Obama. But there quite a few Americans who have been blindly supporting hard right racist policies of current Israeli government. Kudos to Representative Ilhan Omar for bravely pointing this out. And again, being against current Israeli government is in no way anti-Jew.
24
How is it humanly possible that the NY Times is now praising gross, vulgar anti-Semites in the Opinion section? Their behavior is not about being reckless or unpalatable, but racist.
It is a tragic day when this paper starts normalizing anti-Semitism, and it appears that day has arrived.
13
Thanks. Hopefully we’re moving towards a world in which equality means just that.
If they let you mark up the next opinion piece by someone like Jill Filipovic or Jessica Valenti before publication with questions and comments I’d like to see what you have to say about the factual claims and the reasoning.
By the way, I do think women are a civilizing force. But I also think men are a civilizing force; and that both men and women should discourage women behaving badly, men behaving badly, abusive behavior by men towards other men or women, and abusive behavior by women towards other women or men.
1
I have a problem with Rashida Tlaib using that particular expletive with small children, including her own, right there in the room. Irresponsible.
9
The idea that they are preaching "fringe" politics is an insidious way to demean their presence. I am a white male, 65 years old. I want universal healthcare, legal abortion, a green new deal, and a foreign policy that stops bowing and scraping to the Israeli lobby. (I am not an anti-Semite.) I do NOT want cynical political operatives posing as "Christians" making my laws or deciding what wars we are going to fight. Stop feeding the Right Wing beast.
2
The female stereotype of warm, fuzzy, and collaborative is an artifact of getting things done in a sexist world. It's not a set of traits, it's a strategy. When women actually have power they can wield that power more directly. If that makes people uncomfortable, well you'd better buckle up!
omg...this is where we're at. Still at. The front page of the NYTimes Opinion section pointing out that women are just ambitious as men! We have so far to go if this is something that deserves an entire article.
3
Only AOC has demonstrated that she is fit to be a leader. Omar has proved to utter bigoted remarks and Tlaib has has conducted herself badly in front of her constituents. You can't demand anything from others until you do so yourself. Boorish, undignified and bigoted has not place here. Isn't that what must be removed from the Oval Office?
4
I wish I were so bold as these women. back in the day I supported Mondale, Dukakis, Clinton, blah blah blah. They did not care about what we care about. I will certainly vote for new voices. Just today, my 78 year old dad asked me if we would have been better with HRC. I said yes and immediately my dad said she lied about emails. I love my dad but there you have it, he is so stubborn. He does not even know who the new people are. I don't want him to die, bit I want his generation to die.
1
Your comments smack of stereotypic sexism. I’m so tired of women being held to a different and much higher standard than the most venal and underachieving men (read Kavanaugh). Go all women! We are the change the country needs. Money in politics is a huge problem, it’s time for new ideas and unafraid voices!! I’m thrilled they are pushing the envelope and making people uncomfortable!
1
Thank you, Michelle Cottle, for showing that men are not so inferior to women. Yay!
These women are already proving their mettle, especially Ilhan Omar, like David challenging the Goliath, she has provoked the powerful AIPAC and apologists for the Palestinian oppression, yet she is still standing.
I don't see that Rashida Tlaib has done much yet. Calling for impeachment is a no-brainer - since the Democrats have portrayed Trump as a racist, would be fascist dictator.
Denying the voters the spectacle of an impeachment would be anti-climactic, with the Democrats losing credibility and the Republicans vindicated for supporting Trump. I don't understand Nancy Pelosi opposing his impeachment.
Is she tone deaf or has some inside info about the investigations?
Many don't understand how influential OAS has become. By articulating an ideal vision of her Green New Deal, every Democratic presidential candidate is defined by how socialistic they are -- AOS is now a king-maker.
Meanwhile, on the Republican side of the aisle, Steve King is mocking hurricane victims. https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_80eaf15c-4c23-11e9-8b09-cf88dc7853a6.html
3
Might help to listen, learn, and get to know your colleagues a bit before you blab and bluster. Republican stonewalling and Trump spitlicking is one thing, petulant Democratic children is another. Let's hope this scenario is not our destiny.
2
The Republicans have been working on changing things for the wealthy for 40 years!
Time to rattle the Establishment and bring on Change for the Common Good, Omar, O-C and Tlaib!
2
I soooo like these women and what they represent. They fill a void that has existed in the Democratic party for decades. They seem to shun the “political correctnes” that many politicians adher and ignor the true mandates of their constituency. I say Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
In this situation a good offense is the best defense.
We need to discredit Trump by all means possible, exploring impeachment, indictment of his children and calling him out each and every time he plays his neo-fascist card.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the winner here precisely because she is unafraid and nimble in her fearless honesty. More power to women like her.
2
You find the premise that the idea that '(women) will hopefully operate to help us work for the common good' absurd? This editorial exercise feels extraordinarily parochial and short-sighted...women have held positions of power and acted with ruthless self-interest for centuries....celebrating Rep. Tlaib's coarseness of language or Rep. Omar's casual Anti-Semitism , much less holding up Sarah Palin and Liz Cheney as embodying qualities women should emulate, is sophomoric.. ...
2
America is built on myths the truth is rarely acknowledged till it is forced out of the darkest closet.
Norman Rockwell helped institutionalization the white happy family with the submissive wife via the family magazines. Hollywood told minority women you cAn only play the maids. Nat coles variety show was cancelled for lack of sponsors
Trump makes reference to this happy past all the time. White supremacy is all about the proveledges of white entitlement.
The mid terms were about Women of color who worked hard to give a voice to the people who volunteered and helped them get elected. Minority women and men have been working hard for civil rights from the day we were forced to be slaves in America Minorities had to walk in the back of the women’s suffrage parades because we weren’t wAnted by the white women to even be there.
These women have every right to speak the truth to power. We have been listening to white men and women constantly give us there truth since the white man came to the shores of America
Finally we are at the table in large numbers and people have to listen to our voices.
1
None of these three new congresswomen are team players. Getting Trump out of the White House will be a team effort.
AOC’s rollout of the New Green Deal was sloppy. If it had been a college paper, it would have received a D. She’s loose with facts and says it doesn’t matter because her heart’s in the right place. On Twitter, she takes on every slight, no matter how small. Oh, and she celebrated NYC losing 25,000 Amazon jobs because she said the $3 billion tax incentives could now go to pay for the subway system (Wrong!).
Tlaib curses like a sailor. Running around screaming that you’re all about impeaching the president is not strategic.
Omar has had too many faux pas for them to be accidents. She knows exactly what she’s doing, and I suspect that she’s all about promoting her agenda, and if that runs contrary to the party’s goals in 2020– so be it.
3
"How uplifting. How stirring.
How absurd."
Up until you wrote this, I was very, very frightened. The first half of your article sounded like a condemnation of these firebrand ladies, and nostalgia for the ridiculous theory that women or *mothers* are a civilizing force. Have you any idea how medieval we get when something (guns, climate change) threatens our kids?
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
Freshman Furies? How about One and Doners.
I don’t see how the establishment of the Democratic Party is gong to sit on their hands and let these Communist radicals take over their party.
All of them will face primary challenges.
2
The more women the better, time to reel in the little boys club and get some real legislation done. The little boys have cared for their personal wallets for far too long.
2
I find it amusing that so many rightwing white men are utterly terrified by these intelligent, powerful women and feel they have to attack them with such vitriol on social media.
1
It seems to be a given that any time people from a historically oppressed minority gets a share of power, as these women have done, critics become exercised about some percieved excess. Because, you see, these women are too young too callow, too inexperienced, and of course, too emotional, to share the power they’ve historically been denied. In other words, they weren’t ready.
Complicating matters further, the opposition (Fox News, the GOP, Liberty Media) throws shade at these new people under the guise of sharing this author’s hand-wringing concerns. They are shown as hysterical crazies, haters and flibertygibitts (AOC is dancing!, a Muslim woman criticized the Israel lobby! , and this one called Trump a bad name!)
I assume the author of this piece has some intellectual honesty and is capable of a charitable interpretation of people’s motivation and behavior—if not the understanding that every woman and every newcomer is subjected to the same hostility these women are now recieving . That goes for all women from Sandra Day. O’Connor and RBG, Margaret Chase Smith and Nancy Pelosi. Try harder. Sloppy thinking and laziness here!
1
The Trump campaign couldn't have asked Central Casting for 3 better foils than these 3 "Kardashian Congresswomen to star in his re-election campaign.
Just as Mr Obamas Over-reaching Social Justice Campaign combined with Hilary Clinton baggage was the only way Trump could win the White House, These Anti-Semetic, ultra-Liberal over reaching, Progressive Loud Mouths are the only way he can hope to to win re-election.
For the 4th time in the last 6 elections, Defeat will be snatched from Victory unless Ms Pelosi and Mr Schumer can keep these under control
4
I object to them being referred to as "outspoken". They are just spoken.
2
It's not what you say, it's how you say it. These women can be bold, outspoken, etc., etc. but the idea is to be opposite of Trump. Be good enough and smart enough to get your point across without insulting and upsetting people, at least to the point that you can.
On the other hand, maybe they can just act like Ivanka. Don't actually say anything. Just answer every question and make every statement as if you are a contestent in a beauty contest.
New word capsoism it’s a blend of capitalism and socialism and it’s time has come and these ladies will usher it in with the correct recipe for the 21 century
Women are not "less power-hungry" or "less personally ambitious"? What about their actions and words led you to that conclusion? You're buying into the trope that women who are not afraid to express their opinion and demand action are somehow power hungry and ambitious. That leads to the calls for them to sit down and shut up. Stop.
What accomplishments is one supposed to be happy about? That they have internal instead of external reproductive organs? Or maybe it's because they possess morally irrelevant phenotypical elements? Or perhaps it's because they have not lived as long as other people? Is that it?
I will not sit here and applaud on command like some party apparatchik in the Supreme Soviet afraid to stop clapping for fear that I will be shot if I am first to cease my sycophancy. These people have done nothing to applaud.
The only thing they have done is be elected and make fools of themselves, their constituents, and their party on a near continuous basis.
Whether it's anti-semetic nonsense being spewed for all to see or a technically illiterate "Green New Deal" they are a never ending font of ammunition for their parties foes.
They are a left wing mirror of the TEA party fanatics and charlatans who rampaged through the GOP and made it contort in pretzels to accommodate them. One can only hope the Democrats have enough spine to avoid that fate, but I hold very little expectation of that.
1
There are 111 new members in the 115th Congress, 101 in the House and 10 new Senators. Regular readers of these pages might think there are only 3 new women on Capitol Hill, but in total there are 42. By under-representing America's full voice The NYT is doing a disservice to its readers, and fanning the flames of divisiveness .
So Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters aren’t outspoken? It doesn’t seem like your stereotyping has any basis.
Sorry, but neither Marsha Blackburn, Lynn Cheney, nor Sarah Palin trafficks in anti-Semitism or anti-Israel politics, much less thinks that "socialism" has redeeming characteristics.
1
President Trump must absolutely love the attention these newly elected socialist Democrats are getting from the press.
As an older white male, I am suddenly sick and tired of these older white guys dumbly mumbling in the Congress. Why have we tolerated them for so many years? These Furies are a rush of fresh air, and I hope they change this country.
104
@John - And the Cabinet! Wilbur Ross, ye gods!
10
I just wish they'd all get off Twitter.
49
@Dr. B Too bad; that's the times we live in. We all have to adjust, even as Twitter users are, continually. With modern technology, we no longer have the luxury of weeks, months, even years and decades to adjust to changes. The world is a much smaller place than it was even a hundred years ago.
2
@Dr. B: Only after Trump. What's the point of unilateral disarmament against him?
2
@Dr. B
I wish there were no Twitter at all. We wouldn't be subjected to every random insult from our Insulter in chief on a daily basis.
2
Unlike one of the comments from a 70 year old white male who gets hope from these women, I am a 59 year old white male and these women do not give me hope. They make me shudder because if they get their way, all branches of government will continue to be unproductive and hyper-partisan institutions. They are not projecting hope and vision; they are projecting themselves only. Just what this country and government do not need. I only continue to hope that Nancy Pelosi continues to keep personalities like this in line - whether they are women or men.
6
Outspoken is good, but only up to a point. As Rep. Omar has learned, it is far better to be silent than to use words that end up damaging the cause you are trying to draw attention to. For someone in the spotlight, the first requirement for survival in Washington is to think about how what you say can be used against you and your cause. Only after you have gamed that out should you open your mouth (or your twitter feed).
4
They have a two year tern and have hit the ground running. More power to them, they show a level of effort, preparedness, skill and innate talent that we generally only see from election repeats. I love that AOC comes to hearings with her ducks in a row, able to cite chapter and verse regulations like a seasoned debater or prosecutor, while everyone else is hemming an hawing around the topic at hand. This is what we should expect from all of our freshmen and senior representatives, but the men think that they can skate by for the first year or so, because they are, you know, men.
3
I have the greatest admiration for the new women of the Democratic Party--as I have for the established women of the Party, those who held the line and those, especially Pelosi, who led the charge quietly and effectively in 2018. I detest the current Administration. I detest what the GOP has become; but I never agreed with its core policies. I know that any issue that works to awaken people is a good issue. And I know that there are many issues that go way beyond electoral tools. But... I fear that the matter of single-issue voting is not just real but is divisive and a serious hindrance to winning. I recall people like Susan Sarandon and Vigo Mortensen telling us that they could never hold their noses and vote for Hillary Clinton. Thanks a lot, folks. For America's sake, let's not repeat this mistake. Strength in unity; division brings defeat.
5
@Susan The House has chops even without full legislative control. It's all about understanding the rules and using them to effect. Look at how the House dumped a privileged resolution on the "Emergency" into McConnell's lap, forced a vote, exposed fissures in the Senate's GOP majority, and forced a veto. That counts. Impeachment talk right now is for rookies and poseurs. If you're looking for a tough, savvy politician, you might check out Nancy Pelosi. And to be utterly fair, AOC's questioning of Michael Cohen was brilliant. In a cogent couple of minutes she elicited more actionable information than the rest of the committee did all day long. Let's see more of that.
5
Let's hear it? OK, BRAVO! I love this new determination to speak truth to power. Long over-due. May we see even more women AND men who will confront the calcified blandness and meek moderation of a system that needs bolder approaches and a refreshing blacklash against trumpism.
3
Of course angry women must speak out on issues of deep concern to them - that is what democracy is about. But it isn't what politics is about - unless of course you simply like the sound of your own voice and do not care a jot about what it takes to get into office so that you can actually change things you do not like. And this is the dilemma all those who feel passionate face - create awareness and hope this feeds change, or participate in the actual decision-making process? Siren voices are just that. That warn. But they do not solve problems. We need that passion, but we also need the ability to work with others, create coalitions, and make much needed change happen. One has watched too many people with loud voices get the attention they crave - only later to fall by the wayside. Grow up, before it is too late.
Three months in and they've already sunk the Democratic party! How fragile it must be if three women, in three months, can cause a second Trump term in a presidential election cycle that hasn't even started yet.
And how powerful they must be to hold such influence!
Relax, everybody, and let's see what they can do for a party that has really lost its luster. They have young people fired up, and the OG from the first modern feminist wave--they've activated the disillusioned.
Let's not forget that if they succeed in impeaching Trump, there will be no Trump to defeat in 2020.
2
I loved this article 100% until the reference to Amy Klobuchar near the end. I believe that an understanding of women as fierce, ambitious, and headstrong represents me better than other tired stereotypes. However, I do not believe common stereotypes are the cause of the controversy around Klobuchar. As a young woman beginning her career in politics, I know that people in power often feel free to treat their staff abusively, and I know that such behavior causes harm to the vulnerable careers of young staffers. No one should accept even the slightest suggestion of defense for such abuses.
2
Here we go again. Democratic leaders are going to split and dilute our vote and influence with single-issue platforms that will not only alienate some Democratic voters, but will turn off Independent voters as well. These people don't understand that our primary goal is to unseat Trump. I have no doubt that some of their ideas are truly worthy of consideration, but if we fail to defeat Trump, all is lost! No one among us will get what we want. You'll just have to settle for half a pie.
@Glenn Thomas Sorry but you are the one that does not understand, issues may not matter to you but to most of us they are the only thing that matters.
See you after the election and Trump is president due to a deeply-divided Democratic voter turnout and not even one of those issues is on the table for discussion or consideration. I hope you don't break your back patting it having made your losing point.
They have the usual attention seekers a little miffed. How unladylike to steal the spot light.
I'm looking forward to watching these women continue to grow into leaders of the House and then the Senate and/or Executive.
5
I'm all for women bucking stereotypes. However, bad behavior is bad behavior. When Nike lauds an athlete who berates an official, it makes a poor choice. When this article, seemingly, lauds Susan Collins for caving on Kavanaugh, it also makes a mistake. These people ARE there to come to consensus and to take us down a path which improves us. They should NOT be openly combative or self serving. Our survival hinges on their success and we need a change. Maybe thinking women can bring it based on gender related listening skills was naive, but we DO need those skills now more than ever.
2
I live near Congresswoman Tlaib's district and regularly attend events she is at. I'm a middle aged white guy, with another middle aged white guy as my current rep. Why do I attend her events and not his? The Congresswoman speaks and acts with an inclusive enthusiasm I wish all members of Congress did. Her words during the Stand Together Against Hate memorial at the Islamic Center of America last weekend were the words I dearly wish I'd heard from our President. I for one look forward to supporting these women cutting through the veil of "how it's been done" to better country for all.
8
Why freshMEN lawmakers (see subtitle)? Why not first year, or newly elected, or something that doesn't sit so jarringly with one of the central bases on which they make contributions?
We need to ignite the passion in people to participate. New ideas must be debated. We cannot continue as usual. When we have great majorities of the public wanting certain policies and we have politicians who fight against this, change is desperately needed. Moving backwards is not an option. The old guard in both parties must give way to new ideas if we are to become an advanced, progressive nation once again.
3
I am an older white Democrat who is grateful for both these new voices of people thinking outside the box and for the moderates who will help keep the Democratic Party and the country on track. Somewhere between them is a sweet spot that ought to be the Democratic - and the American - message: genuine American values like truth, justice,
equality, respect, action on climate change, religious freedom, equal opportunity, fair elections, etc.
This kind of thrashing out and refining the message, before the advent of (anti-)social media and 24/7 news (and "news"), used to be done behind the scenes. Perhaps it can be again, although I doubt it. Nonetheless, it must be done - "the sausage must be made" - so that by the time of the nominating convention the message, messenger and messaging will be unified. If we Democrats fail to do that - strongly, consistently and with one voice - we will be guaranteed to hand the Trumpists yet another disgraceful victory. As Ben Franklin said, "We must all hang together or we will all hang separately."
3
If the three outspoken freshwomen lawmakers who you admire don't stop playing to the media with their extreme positions, they may find themselves referred to as the Women Outed from the House.
49
@Jay Orchard It’s up to their districts to oust them, and we think they’re doing exactly what we sent them there to do. We’re proud. They’re not going anywhere.
21
@Jay Orchard Really? Extreme? You are aware that 80% want medicare for all and 70% want the wealthy to pay more just to name a few.
16
That's true. And they're not leading us anywhere either. Single-issue candidates are a dead end for the Democratic party.
5
After Trump’s give-away to crooked Netanyahu today, I actually stand with Rep. Omar.
I’m no longer afraid of being branded anti -Semitic because I’m critical of some of Israel’s policies and the country’s current hard-line “so-anything-to-stay -in -power leader.
From this moment on I expect my reps to stand up and speak up about Israel’s un democratic policies— I do not support Israel no matter what.
8
To rebrand Omar’s anti-Semitism as “outspokenness,” or identify it with female empowerment and women speaking up, is a dangerous conflation of separate things. It is the liberal version of what conservatives do when they drop some racist slur and then follow it with, “I’m not PC.”
7
Thankfully there is some real liberal progressive hope for America's future.
With the likes of the young forward thinking Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Alexadria Ocasio- Cortez rising, replacing and succeeding the likes of the ancient Diane Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi aka " The San Francisco Mummies". The ability to think critically, independently and originally is the essential root of and route to progress.
Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were both well to the partisan political right of FDR and LBJ as expected, but Ike and Nixon as well. Both men were Reagan Democrats by policy hiding behind liberal progressive rhetorical euphemisms.
Enough of the Democratic echo of conservative Republican socioeconomic political educational demographic historical philosophy. The Democratic Party quest for the white working class is a fool's errand. McCain/Palin, Romney/Ryan and Trump/Pence won 57%, 59% and 58% of the white vote. Trump won 62% of white men and 54% of white women voters
Representatives Omat, Tlaib and Ocasio- Cortez come from the most maligned and marginalized people in America. In addition to being female they are women with African Somali Middle Eastern Palestinian Caribbean colored roots along with two of them being devout Muslims. There are 1.8 billion. Muslims in the world.
2
I’m amazed at the amount of pearl-clutching in these comments. Maybe focus less on policing their “tone,” something most women, and definitely women of color, have long negotiated, and more on their willingness to challenge the entrenched ways of a brutal system.
105
@AnnaT: Agreed. Many of the comments seem to be of the "I'm all for Civil Rights, but we need to go slow so as not to up set the southern whites." variety that I heard as a kid in the early 60s. People know what the solution is, but always find a reason to say "let's not do it just now".
15
@Cwnidog People who are generally comfortable with how the boat is going usually get nervous about anyone rocking it.
That's a problem for the people who don't like how the boat is going, especially when they are a minority of the passengers and getting shafted. Even worse when a majority of passengers are getting shafted, but too many are afraid of getting shafted even more by rocking the boat.
Going slow might have staved off the Civil War. And we also might just now be finally completely freeing the slaves. Hyperbole? How long was it between the Emancipation Proclamation and the 60's Civil Rights era? Is racism against blacks stamped out even now?
Sometimes a society needs the loud firebrands. Sometimes we need to listen to them early, before errant trajectories lead to civil wars.
8
@Barry Williams: Well put.
3
As a lifelong Democrat I fear that the extreme left wing of the Democratic Party will push us into another 4 years of Trump by making unrealistic promises that American taxpayers cannot possibly afford.
Look at all the reasons Bernie Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Omar and their merry band of socialist Congresspersons (and quite a few announced Democratic Presidential candidates) are giving the electorate to vote for Trump in 2020: free Medicare for all, free college for all, confiscatory taxes, open borders, late-term abortions, anti-Semitism, a Green New Deal, reparations, etc. etc.
The ultra-left Democrats (socialists) seem to think that those in fly-over land (and quite a few on the elite coasts) are stupid and won't realize that these pie-in-the-sky dreams are fiscally and politically impossible.
Isn't it time to admit that "progressive" really means "socialist?" And, as Margaret Thatcher so aptly put it, "The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money."
Multi-millionaire Bernie Sanders has made an expedient pledge to run as a Democrat, thus almost masking his true socialist identity and intentions. The old-guard Democratic leaders seem totally flummoxed by the likes of Ocasio-Cortez.
I really hope the moderates can take back of our party's platform and return the Presidency to the Democrats.
5
respectfully, would like to see primary focus on beating trump and mending divides while simultaneously prgressing immediately into a just society
These young women are are welcome firebrands. I am sure they will learn in time from seasoned mentors like Pelosi, Warren, Klobuchar, and yes Hillary. They really have no choice if they do not want to flame out soon. Their ideas are not really much different from the the liberal agenda.
3
It's refreshing to hear a new generation of diverse young women speak out against a foul-mouthwatering and sexist bully in The White House. With our democracy under constant attack by Donald Trump someone has to sound the alarm and these women doing it.
5
Why not say Ms. Omar's use of anti-Semitic stereotypes instead of using the hedge "flirtation with"? It doesn't mean she should be tarred and feathered for it, but what she is being criticized for should be clear.
6
It is an absolute hoot to look at the conservative comments on just about any conservative site like Breitbart, Info Wars or Washington Times. Misogyinist always, overt or alluded racism to the extreme, islamophobic, and downright filled with hate. Just quoting AOC over there, you would think the devil himself (or herself) was present. AOC could say the sky is blue and the conservatives are triggered to respond. The commenters remind me of the sunfish at the end of our lake dock. They are triggered to bite any shiny object.
4
Skimming through comments, I'm struck by the large proportion of "stop kicking up a fuss, ladies" comments from men. Yes, there are also women telling our fearless new lawmakers to calm down and play by the rules, but the preponderance of those kinds of comments seem (to my eyes) from men.
Why are smart, outspoken, opinionated women so scary? I applaud the men here who are confident enough to embrace the changes these women bring.
The 3 women pictured here won their seats against all odds (if you think winning a Congressional seat while wearing a head scarf anywhere in the US is a cakewalk, think again). Telling them to hush is - thankfully - futile.
7
Pardon me, Ms. Cottle. These three individuals are not shattering stereotypes. They’re reinforcing them.
4
Cortez will probably get re-elected but the other two carry religious baggage and will find it hard to get re-elected unless they secularize/de-religion themselves.
1
"Even as they deliver a jolt of energy, the freshman Furies, as they have been dubbed, are inclined to do and say impolitic things that give their colleagues agita."
Good. Maybe it will give the rest of them enough backbone to get up on their hind legs and look at the problems besetting the country and say "This is wrong." and then start serving their constituents rather than their sponsors.
BTW - I agree with all three of the piece's lead-off quotations.
1
If these three were young guys they would rightfully be called egotistical, impetuous punks making a lot of noise instead of figuring out how things work. The mainstream press has been pretty fawning toward them- especially Ms. Omar who tweeted awful things that would draw censure on anyone else in Congress.
Such arrogance and utter lack of self awareness can happen in rookies. But they are lucky they are not guys or all three would be long gone by now.
4
These women, especially AOC, are doing exactly what Donald Trump was elected to do -- shake things up, explode the norms. It's just that they're on the other side, and Republicans hate the strategy thrown in their faces.
4
I am sick and tired of the “wisdom” that encourages Republicans to lie hypocritically about the their true agenda —comfort the comfortable and afflict the afflicted— and discourages Democrats from openly campaigning on their agenda, such as universal health coverage. More power to AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib! I am now 80 years old, and I hope I live long enough to see AOC become President! How ridiculous it is that, because AOC is 29 years old, she is deemed too young and inexperienced to be President! As if the bland Biden and Beto are the best the Dems can do! Biden, let us recall, supported the Iraq invasion just as surely as Hillary did! Ageism and deteriorated thinking are our formidable enemies. Bernie is too old, AOC is too young, but Beto, Biden, and Trump are just right! X
1
Take a good look people, take a really good look at the three Democrats that broke my camel's back. Sayonara, adios and happy trails. Enjoy your New Extremists.
Good luck normalizing anti-Semitism and Utopian fairy tales like free college tuition and Medicaid for all. I was a die-hard liberal, but found I could not afford it anymore. Turning society upside down is expensive. It's all the more outrageous to see that three rookies, two of whom have already made clear outspoken statements of controversy and shame, should be rearranging my world. I resent them. So much so my guaranteed-Democratic-vote-going-back-to-Jimmy-Carter will poof! become a vote for yes I'm going there, Donald J. Trump.
4
The Democrats need to stop making noise and do something. First, they need to agree (yes agree) on what they stand for as a party. They need to reach out to middle income, small business America and make sure they understand that the Democratic Party is not just about high moral ideals buy real day to day governing of the country as it is and what it can become.
Next, while it's fun to throw rocks at the staid lawmakers and institutions within the party, it might just be a little smarter to understand the unintended consequences of a stance.
Lastly, someone like AOC should think before she crows over victory. Her glee over defeating the Amazon deal in NY with nothing to replace it and then talk about spending that 3 billion on other things was either foolish, stupid or disingenuous because there was no 3 billion. It was a tax savings on 30 billion in projected taxes that Amazon would pay. Maybe AOC should devote some of her time outside the limelight that she enjoys and try and find some of the 27 billion she helped throw away and bring it to NY.
4
Michelle Cottle seems to be pitching the idea that women are no different from men in their management approach. And maybe you could make the claim that Nancy Pelosi’s accomplishments have nothing to do with her gender and her life experiences. I think you would wrong, actually, but you could make the claim. And I guess you could decide that mansplaining isn’t a real thing, but my wife would laugh if you told her that (she’s a doctor and medical educator and national level athlete who has watched men blab on forever about nothing but who are empowered nevertheless by their positions of historical privilege). Or perhaps you could suggest that the fragile male ego actually isn’t threatened by women, despite all evidence to the contrary.
But whatever you might claim, I sure hope you’re wrong, because the men who run most things in our country have certainly made a botch of things, and their leading man, Donald Trump, is an almost astonishing jerk (not entirely astonishing, because we have all known his type in our lives, on playgrounds and in schools, religion, business and politics). So I sure hope you’re wrong, because I would like to have hope and I’m not seeing much reason for it in men.
So hooray for the women who vote and the women who get elected to public office at all levels. Let the men whine and threaten and bluster while you get something done for our nation and the world.
2
Trump is outspoken. Does that make him good?
2
Interesting that men seem to get a pass on let us say extremists comments, yet, when a female speaks her mind, the media goes crazy. I noticed the same thing with Secretary Clinton---I know, everyone blames not going to Wisconsin for her loss---no, I believe sexism tipped that election.
2
AOC killed thousands of jobs and wants to us to go back to the Stoneage, the others are an embarrassment to the Democratic Party and the Country as a whole. What scares me even more is that people could vote for them in the first place. America has become a dumbed down country of Special interests.We elect people who have a High School Student understanding of complex issues.
The Dems couldnt conjure up the courage to condemn Omar for Bigotry. They are all so far Left the middle is a distant memory.
2
These three Congress woman are embodiment of third world politics where one side try to tear other down and politicians speak virtue of socialism. As a result many of those countries are facing calamities and the people are running to Western countries. Unfortunately they are bringing with them the same old habits and cultures that may be detrimental to American future unless of course you love socialism and the culture of foreign land.
4
I haven't heard anything from these women except repressed and taboo truths. The baton has been passed. Greater than mighty armies are the once repressed whose time has come. Run, ladies, run...
4
These new women are EXACTLY what the Democrats and the country needs. They have my full support.
3
A lot easier to make waves when you are not owned, keep it up.
3
I would like to live in a land where women take care of all the business and men sit under the tree drinking beer.
3
It is curious that this article leaves out the most outspoken woman legislator in recent times, Michelle Bachmann.
1
It would be hard to find three people so perfectly qualified to help the Democrats snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the next presidential election.
5
AOC and Tlaib are not Democrats. They are Socialists, as in the Democratic Socialists of America, of whom they are both members. They want to remake the US into a socialist country, a model which has failed, miserably, more times than I can recount. Don’t be taken in by the “look”, the charisma or the fresh energy; their values are not traditional American values.
4
@Larry
Really? I lived and worked in Europe for a couple of years. Democratic Socialism or Socialist Capitalism has shown validity as a governing entity. Are you condemning some of America’s homegrown industries for doing business in ‘Red’ China? They are purely Communistic nation but apparently some our corporations love them. Go Figure!
2
@Samuel Owen, I don’t know or care about how things go in Europe but I do know that most Americans aren’t interested in a socialist economy or a socialist way of life. By the way, educate yourself about “Red” China. “ Purely communistic"? Not so much.
1
This is another disaster at the ballot box in the making.
One which will be of more lasting consequences than even the one we got in 2016, and that we are still suffering from, thanks to the Clintons' lack of wisdom, terrible arrogance, and deep, long standing corruption.
The core of Democrats will not vote for corrupt people, not will they vote for the new arrogance of know-it-alls from the extremes without any experience, nor respect for the real people; the core of the true democrats, again, find themselves without honest to goodness representation.
it is a terrible situation.
2
Michelle Cottle makes some interesting comments about the three high profile “freshman” Democrats shaking things up in Congress but what jumped out at me was Cottle’s use of the word “gals” to describe them. Whoa! Gals was the preferred term used by my mother to address her female peers and especially her sisters. She was born in 1912. Outside of high school productions of “Oklahoma,” I don’t think I’ve heard “gals” in common usage in 40 years. But I like it. Yeah Gals in Congress!
1
There they are: The Committee to Re-Elect the President.
5
Give them credit for winning their heavily Democrat districts where the Democratic candidate for Pres has no chance of losing but more credit should be given to the approximately 19 New Democratic Reps who won in districts won by Trump in 2916. Yet those 19 seem to be ignored by the Democratic leaders and this policy is at best foolish
4
I would not vote for any of them.
4
Let’s hear it for the freshmen Furies. They and their assigned-as-male-at-birth ilk are dooming us to another four years of Trump, as the Democrats again forget that there is still an Electoral College and a very large country between Brooklyn and San Francisco too backwards to demand reparations, this week's pronouns, and abolition of straight white cisgender males.
1
Cortez trash-talked the Amazon deal and NYC lost 25,000 jobs and got a bad rap for business, just as the Fed is becoming concerned about the economy's momentum. What an accomplishment....
5
Yes, you've made your point. Women are just as likely to get us into a war as men.
4
@Norville T. Johnson
'Great. Let’s celebrate uncivil behavior, foul language and disrespect to further lower the standards and expectations of our leaders.'
Yeah, great. We already HAVE that in Trump. In comparison, these women look like Mother Theresa.
3
This article does not distinguish ambition for ambition's sake versus ambition to make things better for others. It is disingenuous to label "ambition" bad.
Regarding incivility: Think back to the Cohen hearings. Who was the most civil and on point Congressperson? Alexandria Ocascio-Cortez.
These "Furies" (love that moniker!) are just at the start line and although they may stumble, I can promise you they'll never fall to the depths where most current Republican representatives reside.
135
@Nancy
Vengeance is counter productive however titillating it might be. I hope Republicans haven't set the standard for behavior by Democrats. Notably Trump. Trump is even worse than most of them.
3
I am a very strong advocate of free speech, and I therefore believe that these three women (as well as all other Americans) have the absolute right to voice their opinions and beliefs; however, I do not believe that most of the utterances of these three women have been helpful in solving the pressing problems that America is currently facing. Indeed, the media has given them much too much attention which has taken away from the important task of attempting to find reasonable solutions. Lots of fire, heat, and publicity, but no real accomplishments.
5
these women are the faces of a new America. an America that is full of hope and willing to embrace all its children. for the many years .we have witnessed a Republican party that is unwilling to accept the new realiti es on changing demographic. we have seen a Republican party that has chosen gerrymandering,voters supression over the market of free ideas .
71
@Omar jarallah If this is "hope" (or even "hope and change") I need some antidepressants for my despair. Maybe Nancy P can provide them free.
4
@Omar jarallah - Omar exactly what I wrote in my final submission.
If they are not the American future, or a significant part of it, there is no hope for stopping the great American decline, one world level at a time.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
2
These congresswomen are moving too fast and speaking out too vociferously in their first three months in office. They have already provided Trump and the Republicans with so much material to mount their opposition against the Democrats. Just listen to Trump who is already attacking AOC and the others using his typical fear mongering regarding socialists, anti-Semites, Green Deal "crazies", Muslims in hijabs, Medicare for all, etc.
Note to the Congresswomen: Slow down! You are adding fuel to the fire of Trump's playbook way too soon in the game.
44
@Helen Just wondering, were you saying the same thing to the congressMEN who were stating their opionions and sharing their thoughts?
Are you saying they should really stay in their lane? Let the men talk? They have a two year term, how long, in your mind, should they sit back and wait to speak?
Don't speak unless spoken to? They have two years to push their agenda.
I may not agree with everything they say or do, but I love that they're not sitting back and playing by the rules. Times are changing, I'm really glad to see a new generation pushing for what's best for everyone.
21
@Helen: Note to the Congresswomen - pour it on, you're slaughtering sacred cows and making the conservatives in both parties uncomfortable.
12
@Helen
The Rs are going to mount the same attacks against women and men no matter what they say.
14
As a lifelong Democratic party activist now in my 70s I am completely offended by these women and very worried that they are contributing greatly to the re-election of Donald Trump.
6
If the rest of Congress represented their constituents the way these women seem to, we would have background checks for gun purchases which every poll I’ve seen shows close to 90% support for.
1
The day after the election, I applauded the new look of the House with so many women representing views through varied lenses.
But the applause meter has gone quiet as these three women follow their instincts toward a scorched-earth agenda of reshaping the Democratic Party. As a 74 year old Democrat, I have seen our party come and go and come back again. But we are on thin ice in our control of the House.
As these new, fresh faces seek the limelight, they also seem ready to gamble away a hard-fought and well-deserved majority win for the party, simply because they think their voices are more important than anyone else.
If these youngsters refuse to be team players, they will likely make a Democratic majority in the House a short-lived, 2-year experiment in rescuing the nation and, literally, our democracy, from the hands of conservative forces pursuing autocracy for the sake of their own power.
That could not only hand Trump a second term, it could kill House committee investigations into the crime family occupying the White House. All of Mueller's efforts would be all for naught. It would mean Putin will have accomplished a major goal in his long game of reshaping Europe and the Middle East by making American influence irrelevant for decades.
My rebuke of these rebelious youngsters does not diminish my own liberal beliefs. But pragmatism in the pursuit of saving the country from the current course of conservativism's implosion is our only option.
3
@David Oham
When you were young people said the same things about civil rights. I’m glad we didn’t listen to them.
1
They were voted in by their constituents to represent their constituents. We don’t like Steve King either but there he is. It’s a big country.
4
Reading this article is another reminder to me of how far we still have to go to fully accept talented and qualified women who have been elected to public office and are prepared to use the positions they hold to benefit everyday people. These 3 women recently elected to Congress are a case in point. They don't fit the profile of the politico who is set on only doing enough to maintain his/her seat, all the while fattening his/her pocket by catering to corporate power and the marginal elements of his/her political party and constituency (hello, Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz!).
I find these 3 interesting and refreshing. They bring up ideas, truths, and issues that have either been ignored or hurried dismissed for much too long on the national stage. President Kennedy summed it up perfectly when he said "[w]e enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."
More of us need to engage more in earnest thought so that we can soberly analyze and speak more cogently and intelligently with our fellow humans on the issues and concerns of our time - which is NOW.
6
No one person speaks for the Democratic Party. The electorate in the U.S. can not be fitted into 2 opposing camps. While our political landscape has been distorted by the current Republican Party suggesting that every policy question is embodied in a binary choice, the Democratic Party must not make the same mistake. There must be room within each party to embrace a spectrum of ideas and ideologies in order to foster open discussion of problems and real consideration of solutions. We should celebrate the community of ideas that is found in the Democratic Party while still recognizing that an individual Representative does not reflect the sole total of those ideas. Our representative democracy was designed such that those elected to the House of Representatives represented their local constituents, and that the ensuing discussion within the House of Representatives, along with Senators, crafted policies that benefited all Americans. The task facing today's Democratic Party is how does it package the spectrum of ideas now presented in the party. Care must be taken to not allow a tyranny of the minority within the party suppress a full discussion of all ideas. If the views of a vocal minority of Representatives drowns out those of more moderate Democrats, there is indeed a risk of losing control of the House at the next election and of giving both reluctant supporters of Trump and unaligned voters a reason to not vote Democratic.
2
The headline of this article reads: "The Outspoken Women of the House - Three freshman lawmakers shatter stereotypes as they make waves".
I see how they're outspoken and are making waves.
But, how many laws have they made?
43
@Ed It doesn't matter with McConnell running the Senate. How many laws have they made?
20
@Ed, in the first two months in office? You'd scream bloody murder if they were pushing progressive laws so soon. Second, it's obvious you don't want a real answer to your question, since I got lots of information just by googling 'Democratic legislation 2019'. There's more than you realize.
13
@Ed
How many laws did the GOP pass in the two years they controlled the Presidency, House, Senate, and Supreme Court?
4
As these women 'shatter stereotypes, & 'make waves,' they are shattering the Democratic Party, & tossing it on the waves. They most likely will lead to Trump's re-election, & perhaps even a Republican recovery of the House. Stories like this are what allow Trump to make his 'fake news' claims. These women have no seniority, & very little actual power in the House of Representatives. Omar is already facing talk of her ouster in her Minnesota district. The press publishes & magnifies their most incendiary statements & actions. Maybe outlets like the NYTimes & MSNBC really do like what Trump does for their bottom line, & want him to be re-elected.
7
@C.H., wow. Folks sure get upset at women with ideas. Yeah, the Democratic party is roiled, which indicates the absolute need for new ideas and new messengers.
Your doomsday scenarios don't make sense. We're supposed to be meek and not come up with bold ideas because trump will whine about it?
There's an alarming trend among Democrats; that if we allow liberal ideas, it will rally his base, so we'd better appeal to their feelings. As if they could be convinced at this point!Allowing FOX and trump to label us as extremist is cowardly. It's still a year and a half to the election!
The 'tea party' folks delight in 'owning libs'. It's a feature. Haters gonna hate. I WILL work, as an American, against 'conservatives' who want to enshrine a medieval church/state system in my nation. I believe that unfettered capitalism based on the utopia of corporate profit has proved to have limits, and I'm willing to listen to those who would address inequities. I don't feel the terror of republican labels.
What in the world is so scary, people? I can just imagine your view of the meetings of the founding fathers; they throw papers around if a woman comes in, and stomp out of the room when they learn that Jefferson had brought his Koran. No; for their time, they were enlightened. Today's republicans see a headscarf and howl. See a liberal Hispanic woman and sneer. See the word "Socialist" and run away.
2
It is great these young women were elected but as freshman they should spend less time on TV and the cover of Time and much more time learning the nitty gritty of effective government. Spend time being tutored by Ms Pelosi and less time on late night TV and they might actually get re-elected in two years.
6
These people were elected. Blame their constituents, if blame you must. I can't thank them enough.
78
@bill I am grateful for the energy, controversial or not, that they bring to the Democratic party.
17
These Women were elected to sieve out Country, they are young, vibrant and out spoken.
English language is a beautiful language it could be used poetically or misused like the leader in chief who abuses it constantly.
Then there is Nancy Pelosi, much could be learned from the Democratic leader two steps away from becoming the President.
I still say to some think twice before you speak.
Saying that I have great hope for AOC, who has proved herself over and over again that one of these days she could be the first female President.
Time is in her hand.
3
@B.Sharp
sorry typos..to serve our Country.
Thank You.
1
Go! These new politicians are doing what they were elected to do.
4
I am surprised why the media outlets lack the appetite to ask a basic question. Someone like Ilhan Omar with deep religious views and their unabashed display, whose political and foreign policy views seem to have influenced by those religious convictions, someone who never looks inward into racism and discrimination within the Muslim community but is the first to play victim and blame others, someone who supports BDS and calls Obama a murderer for his Drone strikes on Terrorists in majority Muslim Nations. How can someone like her be called a progressive or left wing? Also, these lawmakers should remember that they won in spite of their extreme views not because of it and because America is a nation founded on tolerant Judeo Christian values where most of the people are secular minded when it comes to politics.
7
@Resident, your 'basic' question turned out to be not a question at all!
Rep. Omar was elected by the people in her district, to represent them. She will answer to them, as will Senator Tillis, et al.
Iowans continue to elect Steve King in spite of his intolerant views. And by your definition of America, isn't it extremist for republican lawmakers pushing to end the separation of church/state so THEIR evangelical Christian beliefs are enshrined above others? I'll await your informed reply.
Lastly, by your logic, trump should 'remember that his/Stephen Miller's extremist views about Muslims' are against the American values of tolerance, secularism,values, blah blah blah. You folks don't do self-awareness much!
2
@Resident
I voted for Ilhan Omar. She actually won by a large margin. You’re talking out of both sides of your mouth when you say intolerant things, and then claim this country is built on tolerance.
2
I am a centrist independent; I lean left on social issues and lean middle-right on economic issues. I hate Trump, but I also hate the far-left's (as well as the far-right's) obsession over identity politics and the alienation and toxicity it causes. I will never vote for Trump, but I would find it very, very difficult to vote for any Democrat who subscribes to the kind of bombastic, ill-informed, populist, identity-obsessed rheotric and policies of these Congresswomen. Call me racist, call me sexist, call me unwoke and privileged -- I don't care (I know in my heart what is best for this country, and it aint Trump, and it aint AOC either). The Democratic Party can ignore and discard people like me if it so chooses (the Republican Party did that in 2016), but remember, people like me ultimately decide Presidential elections.
5
Bingo. This is probably 40% of the country, the great forgotten.
3
@Kevin
Why are you so sure that it is what is in YOUR heart that is best for the country? What about what is in my heart, or my neighbor’s heart?
You’re entitled to your opinion, but you’re arrogance is troubling.
1
In short, these 3 may be more responsible for the re-election of Trump than any single policy he takes. I know more than a few independents that see these 3 as every bad thing they have every heard in Republican propaganda against Democrats, all made flesh. I do know Minnesotans are horrified at where Rep Omar has gone. AOC may get ME to vote Republican, and I haven't done that since GHWB.
When you finally have a chance to win, is probably not when you want to trade your big tent for a pup tent.
7
@jim
Okay, you want to try to run Hillary again? That’s your plan?!
@Corbin
I refuse to believe that the only two possibilities in the Democratic Party are Hillary and AOC, even after the devastation of the Obama years (nice president, lousy for the party). If the bench is truly this shallow, it's time for a third party. Hillary wasn't beat on issues (well, for that matter, she wasn't beat at all, but that's another story) but on her personal brand. She was so personally a toxic candidate that someone like Donald Trump beat her, when a good ham sandwich should have beaten DJT.
As with all politiciwans, it is not what they say, but what they are able to achieve. These new faces, while encouraging, are still just at the starting line. Shouldn't we be giving our attention to the politicians who are at work on the issues and actually making things happen?
But what have the 'edgy' women of the Republican party ever accomplished? Sarah Palin, paleeese. Granted, she has expanded her personal bottom line, but done actually nothing for the Republican Party. Liz Cheney, really. Do you think the men of the Republican Party are going to allow her to ever have real power. Remember, if the voters of their districts voted for the women titled in this article because the voters thought they would be better listeners, they're gong to be one term wonders.
Good! Let's talk! Let's stop the be extra careful or I won't be re-elected pablum/nothingness. We need to get things done. We need our representatives to stop the fundraising and grandstanding and be real.
1
Yes, the Times editorial board may be correct in finding that women legislators share the same preening ambition, shrill demagoguery, divisiveness, and egotism of their male counterparts, but I find it difficult to celebrate this conclusion.
6
Most Elected and appointed members of our three branches of government have failed their oaths of ‘public’ office at the least and worst in doing so have committed High Crimes & Misdemeanors. Fortunately most of them have done this out of ignorance not with willful intent or malice.
We have watched them over decades being sworn in as public fiduciaries with big smiles on their faces as though they had won or were awarded something. When in fact they were committing to a binding solemn obligation going forward to uphold our constitution and be the ‘legal’ governing fiduciaries for the public affairs of over 300 mil. Citizens and the nation. And it is their failure to appreciate their individual oaths not any allegence to one another that has brought our government to the lowest point since the Civil War.
Beginning Impeachment proceedings against any and all gov. Oath Taker was mandated to any House member to protect the constitution and citizens against member abuses just like the military has its own proceedings for its oaths of service. They can be friends or enemies to one another but each must bear witness to one another 24/7. Bribes like lobby favors, denying member debates and voting, SCOTUS dismissing citizen filings of redress without written explanation etc. are High Crimes because they are actions against general gov. functions. Misdemeanors speak to public trusts issues with personal gov. members.
The new leaders haven’t been compromised yet! Media focus!
1
A smart column with some flawed examples, to wit, the lead: I would never compare Ocasio-Cortez's frank discourse with the anti-semitic tropes that Ilhan Omar has used. Nor do I think that the Susan Collins and the nitwitted Sarah Palin are comparable; if anything, Palin was a gut punch to the deep intelligence and knowledge that many women bring to politics. And the quote used from Hillary Clinton wasn't representative of Clinton's actions--a truly brilliant woman, Stepping back further from these examples, this article is bound to irritate and feel incomplete.
1
The Democrats get a majority in the House then they complain about it. If you want to overturn the status quo and actually accomplish something, you need to shake it up. Good for these women; it's about time.
2
"You have to hand it to the first-year Democratic women of the House: They don’t hold back."
THE Democratic women? That is grossly unjust to the rest of the new Democratic women in the House. The sentence ought to have read: "You have to hand it to THESE THREE first-year Democratic women n the House."
It took the GOP over a decade to do something more than bemoan the language of Rep. Steve King of Iowa. That language has been (and still is) significantly more divisive than what the three mentioned in this article are using. And Rep. King is not the only member of the GOP to be that divisive (a S.C. Senator comes to mind).
And conservatives tell us to look to the past and use those ideas that worked. Well, a 70% marginal tax rate on very high incomes is an idea from the past (the 1950s) when income inequality was much, much lower than today.
One only needs to look at the headlines from today’s NYT to see the power that Israel exerts over the GOP. It looks like our country (or at least the man who occupies the White House) is now in favor of officially giving territory seized from another country to the occupiers. What is next, using the same logic to permanently give Crimea to Russia? (Putin should love this latest move.)
And for bold moves towards righting a really bad situation with divisive language and actions, I would offer up a certain Republican President who went forward when most told him to hold back, President Abraham Lincoln.
So, as a 66 year old, formerly registered Republican, who has seen our country drift so far to the right I can no longer stomach the GOP, I say, “Go for it ladies.”
2
Shattering stereotypes is great. But I am not ready to praise rhetoric that is ill-considered or rude or offensive or based on knee-jerk reactions. It's possible to support economic equality, action on climate change, humanitarian foreign policy with rationality and civility. We've had enough of Trump style nastiness to last us a life-time.
2
How inspiring to learn that the new women in Congress are just as bad as the men. No doubt that condition will further the search for a middle ground that we so desperately need.
Women may not be less hardcharging, aggressive, or divisive than men, but they do have different perspectives and it is important that their voices are LOUDLY inserted into the political discourse. I am happy to see it, and I remain hopeful that their increased participation in Congress will help bring about much needed change -- probably because most of the new women are Democrats, and you notice that the Republicans are still dominated by the good old boys.
Can’t you be both outspoken and a great listener? They aren’t incompatible traits. I’d venture to say these ladies have more in common with PM Jacinda Ardern than Laura Bush or Susan Collins. And that’s ok, in fact, it’s good.
2
“If they can chip away at the pretty little myth of women as political saviors, they will have done a service to us all.”
And if it costs us the elections in 2020?
1
The title of this piece says it all—and way too much. How often has the word "outspoken" ever been used to describe young, assertive arrivals to the Hill who are white and male? History is replete with examples of freshmen from that demography who have made twice as much noise and not been called "outspoken."
The very word implies that someone is talking more than one should—but based on what? Anyone may occasionally speak one's mind "in and out of season," as my grandmother used to say; that is a human failing shared by us all. However, representatives are sent to Congress expressly to advocate and legislate.
Even if the author intends to compliment or commend these freshmen representatives, the word "outspoken" is hideously loaded and implies that someone has forgotten her—or his—place.
Commend them for their focus, their courage, their determination to occupy their positions to their full potential. In fact, commend everyone—irrespective of political orientation—who arrives on the Hill to serve the constituent interests that elected them with passion and integrity. Also, criticize them whenever appropriate on the substance of their errors.
But please select your words with less bias that reductively discount the message and the messenger. This is, after all, an opinion piece in the nation's Newspaper of Record, where words do matter.
1
It’s sad there has to be “women” comparisons.
We’d never see this about men. Maybe that would be an interesting article, though, for those that might care.
I could get emotional about this. Our country desperately needs these women and more like them. They may save us if anyone can.
Sound and fury, signifying very little.
Except -- except really colorful copy for every journalist out there looking to be noticed.
Never underestimate the ways in which the media will choose to cover and hype people who provide easy means to turn a clever phrase and enhance the journalist's status.
Like, you know, Trump.
As for the there women, one is an outspoken anti-Semite whose foreign policy consists of BDS, and ultimately doing away with the state of Israel.
The Bronx woman is almost charming in her naivete, as she proffers policies America's been kicking around since FDR, and actually believes she's onto something new. She's also in danger of believing her own press.
The third one made less of an impression on me, probably because the others have both tired and bored me with their patter.
These women may be making waves, but I doubt they're "shattering stereotypes."
3
Why no mention of Abigail Spanberger and the 40 Democratic freshmen/freshwomen who won as moderates and were the ones to turn the House Democratic. Without them, these three women wouldn't have the same voice.
3
Don't forget: this is the Trump Era.
Insults
Generalizations
Misogynists
Racism
Discrimination
Exclusion
Gross manners
Outrageous ignorance
Science oblivion
.... can go on and on ....
End result? Well, physics demonstrates that to every action there's an equal or bigger reaction.
Same as The Derelict in Chief is a "result" and not an "originator", so are these three characters. There's a long evolving history in the USA leading to what we are experiencing today.
And I fear for the future.
I am willing to bet that if POTUS didn't happen and done all the incredible things he did, these 3 would not appear in the news today.
There's a new day coming, and these young women are just the forerunners.
Please visit the Women's March website and read its policy agenda. Thanks.
2
Regards from Rudyard Kipling. Google for final stanzas:
When the Himalayan peasant meets the
he-bear in his pride,
He shouts to scare the monster,
who will often turn aside.
But the she-bear thus accosted rends
the peasant tooth and nail.
For the female of the species is more
deadly than the male.
When Nag the basking cobra hears the
careless foot of man,
He will sometimes wriggle sideways and
avoid it if he can.
But his mate makes no such motion where
she camps beside the trail.
For the female of the species is more
deadly than the male.
When the early Jesuit fathers preached
to Hurons and Choctaws,
They prayed to be delivered from the
vengeance of the squaws.
'Twas the women, not the warriors,
turned those stark enthusiasts pale.
For the female of the species is more
deadly than the male.
Man's timid heart is bursting with the
things he must not say,
For the Woman that God gave him
isn't his to give away;
But when hunter meets with husbands,
each confirms the other's tale -
The female of the species is more
deadly than the male.
Man, a bear in most relations -
worm and savage otherwise, -
Man propounds negotiations,
Man accepts the compromise.
Very rarely will he squarely push the logic of a fact
To its ultimate conclusion in unmitigated act.
Fear, or foolishness, impels him,
ere he lay the wicked low,
To concede some form of trial even
to his fiercest foe.
Mirth obscene diverts his anger -
Doubt and Pity oft perplex
Him in dealing with an issue -
to the scandal of The Sex!
Yes yes yes. Thank you, Lord. These three extremists do indeed represent the New Democratic Party and all it stands for... Free stuff for everyone! They are reviled by all Republicans and most Democrats. They will use their social media talents and darling status to be ever more visible. In two short years, the will single handedly assure Trumps re-election. They are superheroes!
4
What?!?
Would you say the word for Trump is “outspoken”?
These women have said dangerous, prejudiced and downright silly things and you really don’t even mention that.
These are the Trumps of the Democratic Party. There are many amazing women leaders in the party. Please don’t let narcissistic and dangerous take the lead by writing as if they are thoughtful and true leaders.
3
I'm a little suspicious of meteor like rising of the relatively unknown. But then, I'm so sick of the non progressive wing of the Democrat party, these women are a breath of fresh air. Bernie Sander's revolution is why we have these women in the house now. I am clear the powers that be DO NOT WANT progressives. Bernie Sanders is a clear example of this, a man still filling stadiums and raising more money than anyone else, but being snubbed by media and the powers that be. Is he just out there to raise money for the Democrats again? I hope not. I will vote for him if he gets the nomination, no question..what else is there? I will not vote for just anyone, to get Trump out of there. I will not be intimidated into voting for a slightly less big business stooge than Trump to alleviate my guilt. It's NOT MY GUILT! It's the elite powers that be, that want to continue their gravy train of wars, oil and banking. BREAK THEM ALL UP. I hope these women make some headway doing exactly just that!
1
Would any progressive self respecting democrat vote for Margaret Thatcher over a thoughtful, caring, progressive man? Yes, there are beings like this.
Good for them. I agree with Rep Omar's comments. The tradition of special interest groups buying favor from our government has to stop. It's the people who try to back her down by calling her an 'anti-Semite' that worry me. That they aren't 'playing nice' with the 'establishment' is a good thing. It's way past time that we have elected representatives who are willing to confront the 'status quo'.
1
The idea that women are better listeners is completely accurate. These three hear their constituents loud and clear! Maybe more politicians like this and voter turnout would increase? No one with a shred of reason is going to vote for the corrupt status quo.
2
I’m genuinely intrigued by the number of commenters here denouncing these women for their incivilty (so unlike their Republican counterparts) or their unwillingness to compromise (with whom about what is unclear), and assuring us that their behavior will drive all the “moderate” Democrats (like themselves, ostensibly) away from the polls, or worse, into the arms of Trump, because, really, he’s certainly no worse than they are.
My first thought was that this was such an incomprehensible position that the commenters must in fact be Republicans pretending to be “moderate” Democrats (or maybe Russian assets, though they are increasingly indistinguishable) in order to make us real Democrats anxious. It seems likely, and an indication of what terror young women from diverse backgrounds strike in the hearts of entitled white men (and I say this as one of those entitled white men). But whatever the provenance, the bleating makes it clear these women are doing exactly what they should be doing. Anyone who thinks more Republican malfeasance and more Trump is preferable to the Democratic Party taking back its mantle as a champion of the people should stay home on Election Day or vote Republican. They will find themselves on the losing side of the election, just as they are on the losing side of history.
3
These three have not shattered one particular stereotype: The angry extremist who abuses their power once elected to office, in a bid to impose their will on people outside the scope of their rightful political sphere, and to get even with those that they oppose.
That the media continues to hype them, is a symptom of a disease that pervades journalism.
2
Can the writer of this horrid "opinion" piece please point us to where these three featured women are less civil, less collaborative, or maybe illustrate which part of their being elected to office makes them "power-hungry?" Or, maybe, the writer could explain what she means when she says they have "elbow(ed) their way into high office?" This really comes off as a hit piece. These three very exceptional women dared to stand up and fight the status quo, and they won their elections fair and square, which is more than you can say about many of the elected officials in the GOP, who are there only because they live in gerrymandered districts, and are backed by the Koch brothers.
2
Now Rashida Tlaib, the last of the three young women called "furies" here but for me just three members of the House of Representatives whom I will follow as closely as I am trying to follow Warren, Harris, and Gillebrand. My submissions on AC-O and Ilhan Omar are not yet in print.
I see that Ms. Tlaib is described as a Palestinian American because she is the oldest of 14 children born to a mother born in the West Bank and a father born in East Jerusalem. Let's assume that this background is likely to guarantee that she knows more about what is involved in growing up in those two areas than any of her actual or potential critics.
She made a single statement using a word that is routinely employed in countless television series, very likely by countless male members of the Congress and possibly by the President, and "America goes crazy".
I never heard that word spoken in my extended family when I was growing up. so even now at 87, it jars me just a little. (My mostly Swedish immigrant family did not touch alcohol, never used a swear word, and were religious).
But those who are so offended do not have my background, so I think they should cool down.
Rashida Tlaib is the kind of well educated, worldly, and broadly experienced person we need more of in the Congress.
I am looking forward to her making her mark, Insha Allah.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
4
Acceptance of the political status quo--from Israel to capitalism-- gave us Trump. Civility gave us Trump. Respect for established norms gave us Trump. The belief in incremental, technocratic change gave us Trump. Worship of our institutions gave us Trump...
Every time I hear about any of these four women (and many of their female and male colleagues like Ro Khanna) I believe that there might still be hope for this country. Their struggle against Republicans and Corporate Democrats won't be easy, but at least they are fighting a worthy fight.
2
I find it difficult as a woman to celebrate boorish behavior as something all women should aspire to. Really? Foul language, anti-semetic, and generally simple minded. Is this the example that we want our daughters to emulate? I don't think so.
In your face attitudes are a turn off, no matter if it comes from a man or woman.
3
I Love Them All. They are simply bringing Good Old Ideas and an independence of mind to a place where it’s badly needed.
It’s the exchange of ideas not the tamping down of hopes is their job. They didn’t get their to shut up and tow the line.
Chances are they represent more than those who detest. If you don’t like them move to their district and vote against them.
I’d take any one of them over my kiss up congressman.
Fighting everyone at all times is not a strategy for anything except gaining media attention.
28
Diversity is good, including ideological and tactical diversity. The Republican Party has not improved as it has become more ideologically monolithic. I agree with Nancy Pelosi that now is not the time to drive for an impeachment vote, but I'm glad that there are still early impeachment efforts in play, which keeps the possibility in view on the horizon. Yes, and, not either/or. AOC's questions at the Cohen hearing were both collaborative and pointed as she created solid ground for further investigation. There's nothing partisan about fighting corruption (although Republicans insist otherwise). These women have the courage to name the elephants that have been in the room and gone unacknowledged for too long in the Democratic Party (NOT a partisan reference!).
These women should be speaking up and they shouldn’t be analyzed for how they’re speaking. Women are oftentimes ignored if they are anything but fervent. The days of timidly waiting for out turn to speak are over.
89
When Republicans get caught doing their dirty deeds (election fraud, sabotaging new Dem state admin. when Rep. get voted out, bypassing the constitution with "heartbeat" laws, unethically installing two Supreme Court Justices on the bench, extreme gerrymandering.....) their typical response to the outrage aimed at them is "we must get back to civility!"
It's hypocritical to obsess over the behavior of these freshmen when Republicans, in their desperation, sneak around sabotaging
our laws and institutions.
My first submission concerned Axandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Green New Deal, written because I have a lifetime of experience with the content of that statement.
Now on to lhan Omar and statements about Israel and perhaps about Jews - as a group or an individual - that have led a vast array of individuals to charge her with being anti-semitic.
I have searched for lists of these statements and have not yet found a fully satisfactory list, one that puts each statement into a context.
1) To criticize Israel, the nation, especially for its policies and actions as concerns the West Bank, is not anti-semitic.
2) To criticize American groups that support particular non-democratic policies and actions taken by nation Israel is not anti-semitic.
3) To use phrases she has picked up somewhere, phrases that have a history unknown to her, may be anti-semitic. Consider the Benjamin phrase, a phrase I had never heard before in my 87 years, many of them in Brighton, NY, where Jews of every alignment live, many of them known to me personally.
Since I never heard the phrase I think a reporter should have dug more deeply than any I have read asking: "Ms. Omar, do you remember where you learned that phrase and what you understood it to mean?" I need that explanation.
I have a friend in Minnesota with the same early life history as Ilhan Omar, a friend who knows her. I shall ask my friend if she knows where Ms. Omar got that phrase.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
2
Does anyone remember Ms. Omar's questioning of Elliot Abrams? First, she couldn't even get his name right, calling him "Mr. Adams." Has she really studied recent U.S. - Latin American history? Second, she continually stumbled while reading from her script, with which she seemed barely familiar. Last, but worst, she asked a completely absurd question about whether Mr. Abrams would commit "genocide" in Venezuela. Add this to her bashing of Israel supporters, as though her easy pop-cultural reference made her diatribe true and self-evident. This is beneficial to the country?
2
I’m a retired academic psychologist, who, for years, both in my observations and research, found that in general women were more empathic, conciliatory, and social than men. Men, however, had learned from the age-old expression, “Nice guys finish last.” (And let’s face it, trite expressions are only trite because they are true.)
But here we have Michelle Cottle extolling women’s grabbing on to what has been men’s way of doing things. She says, “So let’s hear it for the freshmen Furies in all their abrasive, ambitious, in-your-face glory.” At the same time, men and boys are hearing: Be nice (in movies like “The Mask You Live In,” the Gillette ad, and the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for working with men).
Is this what we want as a society – a complete reversal of sex roles? Will that work?
1
They can do whatever they want.
However, if they want to accomplish their goals, they need to keep the bigotry out of it!!!!
There are others in Congress, who feel the same way about them.
In my view here's what most politicians and most citizens never get:
It is not the politicians that most fundamentally determine what laws, policies & programs are passed or enacted. It is the collective consciousness of the voters themselves.
And it's that consciousness (often not very evolved) that to a huge degree keeps electing the same interchangeable people decade after decade - why little really changes over time.
And yes, 2018 saw some districts elect very progressive people - but that is far from a clear majority nationally.
No politician can be successful, advance progressive ideas & taxpayer funded social programs without the underlying support, agreement & sympathy of a majority of voters.
In other words a majority has to be both receptive to new ideas and be willing to send money from their wallets to the gov to fund them.
I am all for many of the social programs & ideals of some of the new representatives. And yes we should move forward to the degree possible on a number of them.
But what the majority of the public is actually receptive to is the final determinant. And these women and all the other members of congress have to come to that realization at some point.
What are the majority of the voters across the country (not just in your state, district, identity group or base) receptive to, that's what determines practically what can be accomplished.
The new crop has to be wise enough & practical enough to discern such. Or again nothing will change.
2
This op-ed is utterly misleading. Most female Democratic "rookies" in the House are moderates from districts that flipped Republican to Democrat. If only their voices were amplified as much as those of the trio of the self-anointed are. The evidence is slowly coming in for AOC et al to learn from: people do not like their brazen approach, and if they want their policy positions to win the day (and for the most I do) they need to start learning how to build coalitions and collegial relationships. They could learn a lot from their more moderate cohort.
3
So much to say. In summary, though: Three of the top reasons I am now an Independent are Omar, Ocasio-Cortez, and Tlaib. All three have an annoying habit of speaking before they think, and Ms Omar and Ms Tlaib are as ill-mannered as those Republicans that I hold in contempt. All, particularly Ocasio-Cortez, have a proclivity for proposals that are impractical if not impossible. The oft proclaimed excuse that "they are young" sways me not at a time during which we desperately need those who can govern, not divide and assault.
5
These newbies should tone it down a bit - they are new hires, and have much to learn from their longer tenured colleagues, who can act as mentors for them.
4
There is a big difference between making headlines and actually getting things done. They have proven they are good at the former, whether or not they can do the latter remains to be seen.
8
First things first, these young women are young. They have yet to grow fully into their roles as members of the US House of Representatives. They most certainly have passion for new ideas. They most certainly are willing to challenge the status quo. And they are likely to say things that will buck their own party and its leadership.
But they have yet to play or for that matter learn how to the play the long game. They are no Nancy Pelosi (yet). And it will be up to the voters in their district to determine if they ever get a chance to mature in that way.
But it will also be up to them to earn the honor of multiple re-elections. And aside of building their own brand, they must also be cautious as they take their baby steps. The country and the Democratic party is in a very precarious place today and not knowing how to the play the long game poses great risk and peril.
Apologizing for a poorly worded remark when you are informed that it is taken as offensive is good. Challenging our nation on what to do about climate change is good. Being the adult in the room during the Cohen hearing is good. Walking around the Capital building in a "Where is Mitch" photo op is funny.
But not willing to focus on the long game with the rest of your party is dangerous. I hope that these three exceptional young women learn how to work for all of us.
2
You have to ask yourself why someone is ''outspoken'', when they are merely telling the truth. I suppose we have gotten so used to obfuscation that the press will declare any such person that does with such labels.
- and there is the root of the problem.
The press will ALWAYS default to false equivalencies, and then gear up for there to be confrontation for the next election. There has to be antagonists and protagonists on either ''side''.
There is only the American people's side.
6
There is a great level of immaturity in most of their comments. I welcome new ideas as much as anyone. But socialism is not a new idea. It is an old and defeated ideology.
Worrying more about foreign policy than bringing 25,000 high-paying jobs to your district is not a great idea, either. We will see if any of these congresswomen can get a bill passed through both houses, ever. I doubt it.
7
@Conservative Democrat, please share with us words of "maturity" from our President, 72 year old Donald Trump.
2
@petey tonei
Deflection.
1
The painful irony is that, at this moment in history, the country needs a unified Democratic Party, and all those old-fashioned, stereotypical, "feminine" attributes.
For decades, the rationale for electing women to office was that, frankly, they were better than men. Natural coalition builders, more collaborative, more attuned to the needs of others, more interested in getting things done instead of grandstanding, better at taking the long view over short term gains.
And now that women in power end up acting exactly like men, in some cases, worse, we do a 180 and celebrate the fact that, these women at least, can be just as disruptive, short-sighted, and self-serving as those evil men are.
In the case of AOC she's only interested in taking down other Democrats, especially men. Does she understand that the danger to the country is Trump and the GOP, and not "moderate Democrats." If I were a Republican donor I'd put contributing to her campaign at the top of my list.
The Trumps have already floated the idea of Don Jr. and Ivanka ascending to the throne after Daddy's second term.
While women behaving badly might be seen as social progress, it will be meaningless if we don't first vote him and his family out of office.
2
This piece is saying that it's good if the stereotype that women behave more constructively than men is shattered by women not behaving so constructively. Maybe that is good for women, because it works against stereotyping them. But what is more important, that women not be misrepresented by stereotypes, or that our legislators act in a constructive way? This is kind of like applauding women for robbing banks, because it tears down the stereotype of women as being less prone to criminal activity than men are. What is more important, the abolition of stereotypes about women, or the general welfare?
5
The media have given much attention to representatives from districts where being the Democratic nominee means you don't have to sweat the general election. (And of course there are prominent members from automatic Republican districts.)
I'm more impressed with the 41 new Democratic House members who flipped seats in competitive districts formerly held by Republicans. Most of them ran on defending Obamacare, repealing the Trump tax rates, and other popular, achievable goals. That is how a party gains power, and makes change.
9
These three give me hope and make me proud again to have choosen this country as my home.
2
@heinrich zwahlen I choosed this country to. Cant wate for 2020
2
There is nothing intrinsic about being a woman that automatically translates into a kinder, gentler politician.
But let's wait and see. These women both Democrat and GOP have just pushed through the doors of a still male dominated business, the business of politics.
And just like the private sector where women are urged to just 'lean in' to become CEO's, public representatives have to play the male game by male rules in oder to get elected.
BUT, and here's the real point. There's a big difference between being a woman and being a feminist. And there's also a big difference between being a feminist and being a progressive, social democratic feminist.
Women who bring these characteristics and experiences to the table can be expected to help lead the country in a new direction.
Their predecessors simply wanted to represent a district. These women want to create a new vision for the country and I'm all for it.
3
"Shatter stereotypes" ? To the contrary, these three women embody stereotypes. They act and speak like loyal foot soldiers of the Progressive movement. They are anti-capitalism, anti-free speech, anti-religion (except for one), religiously environmental, and have no interest in communicating with those they have to reluctantly call their fellow Americans. As a result, most Americans view them as cartoon characters.
I would not be surprised if all three lose their seats in 2020.
9
These three strong women deserve respect and admiration for being in the arena. They deserve their opinions and their freedom of speech. But if they are successful at making them the face and voice of the Democratic Party Republicans will win the House back and put Donald Trump in the White House for another four years in 2020.
2
Susan Collins may be a moderate but she has had a great deal more effect on what goes on in Congress than either Blackburn or Cheney who have chosen to be right wing extremists.
Might this be a message to the Democratic women?
1
I don’t see here new ideas or fresh talent .
Actually predictable stuff but nothing what brings us forward. I don’t see a revolution here other than the usual bickering . There are serious issues they need to be addressed and formulated beyond the next election that entails not just Trump or Israel.
3
The Honorable Ms. Omar was not flirting with anti-Semitic stereotypes this year. She was misunderstood and quoted out of context.
She has valid questions about how a lobby can affect our political processes regarding another sovereign nation. While her point was about Israel and various occupied territories, it has additional context when you figure on the number of countries that lobby Congress for favorable treatment.
I am looking forward to women having more political power in this country. We've missed a vital parity.
8
I completely agree! She was only pointing out the influence of a country outside of ours having too much influence on our domestic policies and politics.
Israel deserves attention, but so do many other countries, and their lobby seems out of balance with our domestic needs.
1
Democrats ought to remember that it is the Jared Goldens of the House, moderate Democrats, elected from swing districts, like Maine’s 2nd CD, who gave the Dems control of the House. Kowtowing to the left wing fringe will prove disastrous in the long run, and maybe even in two years. I am so tired of these immature representatives, who don’t know how to moderate and reach across the aisle to get things done. All their social media is nothing but an echo chamber of the like minded.
298
@Mary Ann
It seems to me that the Democrats are showing their diversity, not their conformity as the Republicans do. No matter how they articulate their thoughts what really matters is their votes and their ideas that take the form of bills that count.
63
@Joy B If Republicans were conformists we would have repeal and replace, new immigration laws, and many other things that having both chambers under your control should have happened. One senator with TDS, stopped much of it, and others as well. The Dems conform to their leaders in voting, perhaps these three won't but I would not bet on that.
9
@Mary Ann Moderate Democrats in swing districts may have given the party control of the House - but is people like these women who will lead the party of the wilderness it has been in for decades.
They aren't seeking compromise and conciliation - they are taking the initiative. Democrats have been reacting to Republicans for too long, letting them set the agenda. It's past time to turn the tables.
80
I'm not at all concerned about people being outspoken. What I have seen is a startling level of ignorance expressed at times.
When AOC was recorded chortling about Amazon pulling out of New York, and saying the city could and should spend the $3B saved in tax breaks on schools.....
That she had no idea of what tax subsidies are is distressing. There's no money saved. It's all just investment and jobs lost.
Perhaps this editorial should find better examples of outspoken women who are not left wing versions of Donald Trump.
9
Great. Let’s celebrate uncivil behavior, foul language and disrespect to further lower the standards and expectations of our leaders.
So much for when they go low, we go high.
Good luck Dems. You are basically guaranteeing us 4 more years of Trump.
300
@Norville T. Johnson I find it hilarious that the same people who laughed at the possibility of a Trump presidency now see him as difficult to beat. If he's even on a ticket (other than to jail) in 2020 there's hardly any Democrat that won't beat him handily.
41
@mkc
Time will tell but I wouldn't be overly optimistic again. Remember how embarrassingly wrong the NY Time's polling was the last time around. Do you really want to see Beto negotiating with NK or Iran? I don't. How much free stuff can Bernie give away this time around ? I'm not sure that the Dems that don't get the nominee will vote for whoever does. It is fractured beyond belief.
The one thing the Dems are really good at is clutching defeat from the jaws of victory .
47
@Norville T. Johnson
presidents usually don't negotiate, they shake hands and sign agreements.
7
I'm not enthralled with any of them, too many who have found the spotlight have been disappointments. Let's see how and who they are after a couple of years at a three figure salary and full benefits first. Let's see if it's made them too comfortable.
But at least they're saying and trying something and seem to be at least throwing out some actual facts. I'll take that over a guy who seems most famous for getting his teeth cleaned on Instagram and losing to Ted Cruz.
4
We need 100 more like them. Finally, I feel like the perspectives and concerns of my generation and younger are being unabashedly addressed and advocated. For the 39 years of my lifetime, I've heard nothing but milquetoast status-quo as the most "bold" progress we were "allowed" to press. Look where that got us- we have the largest level of income and wealth inequality in almost a century, corporate recklessness and greed has accelerated climate change (global warming) to catastrophic levels, and the working of OUR government has been so infected and corrupted by the influence of private and corporate money it ceases to function for most of us. No more. Our problems are at crisis levels and sitting back, "waiting our turn" and playing nice with corrupt incompetents won't solve them.
Additionally, I find it genuinely inspiring to see this progress being led by women of color, the perspectives of whom have been marginalized for too long.
7
Being outspoken is easy, all you need is an opinion and an audience.
These congresswomen, unfortunately, need much more education on the matters of which they are so outspoken.
Nothing serves a person as much as silence. Only after becoming knowledgeable on an issue should one become outspoken.
11
These three are just another reason I will never return to the Democratic party. Not that I'm running to the Republicans. I have become politically non-binary.
14
Sorry, that won’t work. I hope you didn’t vote for Ralph Nader in 2000 !
And Republicans back then were at least clinging to the remnants of the Grand Old Party. Today they are standing behind a buffoon. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 2.8 million votes. Ralph Nader also received 2.8 million votes in 2000.
1
The right is frightened of AOC. Through the use of social media she has educated her young and old followers about how the middle class was born and destroyed. FDR started the social security system, unemployment insurance, the minimum wage and federal work programs, Socialism at its best. Why did FDR do it? He was pushed from below from people that identified from the one Communist Party, the two Socialist party’s and the unionists. He understood in order to save capitalism from its own destructive nature he had to give the people something back. How did he pay for it? He raised taxes on the wealthiest Americans and corporations to the 70% on the highest tax bracket. Hence the middle class was born, he won four presidencies. He later said his greatest achievement was saving capitalism. After his death the capitalist seized on a divide and conquer strategy, first go after the communist, then the socialists, then the unionists, it worked very well. The Taft Hartley act of 1947 was quickly put in place limiting the powers of unions and the political parties that their leaders could belong too. The corporate oligarchs wanted their power and money back, hence the decline of the middle class. Capitalism in its present form is in the last throes of life. They are now consuming all smaller companies and the middle. In fact they have infiltrated government and are dismantling it from within and enriching themselves on what was once the peoples pride and property, Via privatization
4
The right is not afraid of AOC! They love her! They will use her sound bites to help re-elect the most un-fit President in the history of the United States.
1
I agree, the idea that women in general are naturally "better listeners, are more collegial, more open to new ideas and how to make things work in a way that looks for win-win outcomes” is absurd, and I'm a woman.
In cultures and subcultures where bourgeois civility and social harmony aren't major values, women do not hesitate to yell, and get into physical fights with other women. Women have manipulated and fought their way to power and influence.
Time to put that canard to rest, and if these women politicians can help do so, great!
3
You go to democracy with the electorate that you have, not the electorate that you wish you had. More often than not, the electorate gets what it deserves. You can look at it as the great success of self-governance, or as its great failure.
2
Be it at the office or in politics, women are very often told to "tone it down" and "don't rock the boat" and it doesn't matter how old or young. When I was a newly elected (volunteer) official in my town, I was told by one of the old male cronies "you are a junior selectman and are to sit at the table and listen only!" I was not a junior anything (being in my 50's at the time) and when I was not silenced, they made my life miserable.
Women are finding their voices and are not going to be "shamed" into silence. Coaching and mentoring is always important to season "new players" so this group would be wise to take a few pages from Nancy Pelosi's playbook. She knows the game and how to win.
From Chicagonow.com: "Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History", a book written by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in 1976.
"When Ulrich originally wrote, (the book) she didn't mean that women should misbehave in order to be memorable, which is how the quote is often interpreted. She wrote those words lamenting about the fact that so many women who made positive impacts on society are overlooked by history. Relatively few women have their names remembered. Women like Eleanor Roosevelt and Marilyn Monroe. Not women like Laurel Thatcher Ulrich".
Having been fortunate to have built multiple scale businesses over the last 30 years, I've also hired and worked with several women CEO's. While an impolitic thing to say, I found no differences between what makes a good male or female CEO. There is a currently promoted view that women are different and that we have to adjust the system to accommodate. Perhaps in certain jobs where the realities of sex based societal roles still dominate. However, in real leadership roles, the characteristics of success are so difficult to find that imposing stereotypes has been personally unsuccessful. I would argue that treating women as different and implicitly requiring accommodations perpetuates the exact wrong readiness training necessary to assume the top leadership roles. The women that I have worked with are top performers, find great talent, move poor talent out, demand the best from the people around them, are forward thinking strategists and are never shrinking violets. Best of in class is best in class whether its politics, business, etc. The jury is out on these three women. Politics is a weird environment. Pelosi is a far better example of best in class, a real leader.
4
This article is actually a good argument against the 'diversity' crowd. Gender doesn't make people nicer, smarter, or more capable, neither does race. If you're trying to build a team you want the strongest, fastest & most skilled players. If you're trying to build a society, a company, discover a cure, solve almost any problem, you want the most able. You don't want to carry the dead weight of someone who is on the team to meet a 'diversity' goal. It makes no sense at all.
8
You’re correct, all of us want the best person for the job, whether s/he is black, brown or white. But you have to acknowledge that for a very long time the only ones that have been able to get through the process have been male, white and sponsored by other male,white, established politicians or dominated corporations.
This country is a representational democracy. These women are representing their constituents better than say, Joe Crowley was in New York.
They are also freshmen in this Congress, and will need to learn to do some compromise to get things done or will not be successful. That takes time, but I believe Nancy Pelosi is a good mentor if they are willing to be mentored.
These women have taken a lesson from the Trump playbook - It's better to be outrageous than substantive. I suspect they won't really accomplish much, but they will get lots of press. That may help if they decide someday to run for president.
10
I hope this rhetorical shift continues into the 2020 presidential primary season. It would be wonderful to have a diversity of voices instead of the voice of a lone "female candidate."
1
"Fans find the newbies’ unconventional style refreshing."
There is nothing refreshing about Twitter politics. We've had it now non-stop since the 2016 election. It is the greatest danger to whatever little was left of our democracy before then.
A functional democracy should promote an exchange of ideas and rational arguments to make meaningful policy decisions. Instead, we have slogans, insults, name calling all for one purpose -- unbridled self-promotion of individual politicians.
It is no wonder that Democracy is in retreat throughout the world.
12
I will continue to say it and history supports its...
A) I worked for McCarthy and McGovern and for all my troubles got Nixon, Reagan, and the two Bushes.
B)Under Clinton and Obama both "moderates" and consummate politicians we saw strong economic expansion, party growth and some social advancement.
C) Yes, I know the electorate is changing becoming more diverse which should favor progressives...however, because of voter suppression and yes, voter low turnout we have not been able to wrest power in a consistent way.
I hate the Electoral College but until we are some how are able to control the legislative process--- we appear to be just talking to ourselves.
Considering the above we are still a centered country and throwing bombs will not get us power it will continue to keep us in the wilderness.
5
Sorry to those who equate intemperate, offensive speech with being "savvy" and "fresh air." I think these three young women have a great deal to offer the Democratic Party and the country, but not if some of their comments can be interpreted as threatening the elected members of their own party because they are not as "progressive" as the more leftists would like, or if they can be construed as anti-Semitic.
Political bomb throwers do shake things up, but actions have consequences, sometimes negative ones. The Dems need to focus on their first priority, the defeat of Trump in 2020.
7
The Democratic Party is using these three women to keep certain constituents excited and involved in the upcoming elections. AOC to keep the millennials tuned to the Democratic Party, as well as certain women and minorities with the other two congresswomen. Nancy Pelosi is playing them and she will squash them once Nancy believes she does not need them. The 2016 strategy to bring the young under the Democratic tent failed when Bernie Sanders was getting the young and socialist voters excited just to endorse them to Hillary. This created resentment among Bernie’s followers and many stayed home. The difference for 2020 is that none of these three congresswomen are running for president therefore these young congresswomen can excite the young and socialists to later endorse them to the democratic candidate of their choice without creating resentment. This whole plan can backfire if AOC feels more popular than the old Democratic guard and gets out of control. I leave it to Nancy to navigate those waters and I am confident she knows how.
5
There are matters of substance and style. The reaction they received is mainly on the style of holding their ground rather than the substance of what they said. Ill manners are ill manners regardless of the right or left, male or female, young or old. Some of the behavior we have observed recently is not different from the behavior we condemned on the right. If we cannot be honest with ourselves we will jeopardize our own values and may even hurt the very issues we may try to push. This is not a gender issue, at least to me, but a matter of what I expect from the members of the US Congress. All of them.
7
We, as a nation of representative democracy, are in no need of more outspokenness or shattering.
Yes, we need no "stereotyping" of freshwoman "lawmakers", but our media is more responsible for that label than their congressional colleagues.
Here's a worthy goal young lawmakers: adhere to your oath of office and serve the common good. Not just the party good. The common good. Find more common ground for us common-folks.
6
Yes they are outspoken. Being outspoken doesn't mean you have anything important to say. I'd say that is the case here. In fact, I'm sure most dems wish they'd quiet down. AOC et al will keep Trump in the WH.
11
I look forward to the day when a headline reads "Three representatives put forth novel policy ideas... here is an analysis." Rather than the condescending "Look at how impressive these three women/skin color/sexual orientation are." As if that is what makes them qualified for office. It's condescending and detracts from the actual skills and qualifications these elected officials may have. Being a woman is not a qualification for office. Being a skilled. experienced PERSON is what matters. Everything else is just fluff and distraction.
5
While I appreciate the restatement of an old insight that women are just as fierce as men when it comes to fighting for what they believe in, I am disappointed that the author writes about the new Democratic women without noting what they are fighting for. These women, who represent those who have lacked formal power for the entirety of this nation's history, are finally getting a chance to speak. Let's put some CONTENT to what they are fighting for: minimum wage increase, health access for all, getting big money out of politics, calling out the Israeli government's refusal to address the plight of Palestinians, survival of our planet. Looks like simple justice and fairness to me. What are privileged women like Liz Cheney and Marsha Blackburn fighting for? As far as I can tell, the same thing as privileged conservative white men. ALL women can and do fight fiercely. But let's not gloss over the fact that some women are fighting for things that are more worthy than others.
6
All power to the Freshman Furies, and turn up the volume on their bullhorns. There's Ms. Omar, with her deep anti-Semitism, there's Ms. Tlaib, who was for a two-state solution the Middle East until she got elected, and then did an about-face, and Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, whose Green New Deal would bankrupt the country and cause an energy crisis as every world oil producer and refiner would cease expansion, training, and quickly, operation in order to protect shareholders. Plus, she doesn't even believe her own rhetoric. Is she urging low-lying Brooklynites in her district to sell their townhouses or move out of their apartments because the oceans are coming? No? Thought so. Like I said, turn up their bullhorn volume. The more America hears, the more likely it is to #justwalkaway from a Democratic party gone mad.
7
@Observer of the Zeitgeist: As I am wont to say, there are some comments which are more perspicatious than the column itself and this qualifies as 1 of them. Well written too! Column sounds, no disrespect intended, a trifle wacky, a paen to identity politics. Ms 0mar, with an apparent chip on her shoulder,revives myths about those of the Judaic persuasion straight out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion,yet is praised by the author because (a)she is Muslim(b)a person of color(c) wears a hijab. Has anyone asked her if she is for Sharia Law?AOC, while I laud her opportunism, looking out for Number 1, was elected by grosso modo 4 percent of voters in her district, and Greenhouse Deal sounds as bogus as Al GORE's "An Inconvenient Truth!"Also suspected of not only misuse of campaign funds, but of going along with a transfer of almost 900,000 in campaign contributions to a private acct. in name of her campaign adviser."Elle veut s'enrichir!"Re. Congresswoman Tlaib, she is hurting the good name of Muslim Americans by using coarse language with regard to our c-in-c. Most Americans , center right by and large, reject such speech that would not be tolerated in a classroom and should not be countenanced by Congress. Tlaib strikes ABH as "haineuse,"whose comportment thus far is not a definite asset for the party. Author has written a fan letter, not an informative, educative well thought out commentary.
1
"characterologically" - really? Spare us! What a superficial anecdotally-dependent puff commentary. How disappointing if these fine strong women are to be seen as bringing nothing more of value to America's appalling discourse than some type of media-grabbing 'shock-and-awe' counter to the puerile twittersphere rantings constantly issuing from the seat of government.
Eleanor Roosevelt once observed that:
"Great minds talk about ideas
Average minds talk about events and
Small minds talk about people"
5
Partisan, divisive and negative. Arrogant and ignorant. Sounds a lot like Trump.
9
Sort of amusing calling this outspoken cohort of women fresh"men" members of Congress.
3
And who's the real role model for all 'Outspoken Women of the House'? The first truly Outspoken Woman of the House ... Nancy Pelosi.
4
They don’t only make waves, they make sense.
More sense than the whole OpEd Page writers manage to come up with in a whole year, if that.
Bless them all. Great gift to the nation from Puerto Rico, Somali and Palestine.
5
Please stop calling them Progressives. Just because their ideas, beliefs and behavior are out of the norm doesn’t make them “progressive.”
7
Bottom line question:
Could women do any worse?
2
Great column. I learned a new word, agita.
1
Considering who occupies the White House these women are accused of intemperance? At least they are well qualified to hold the positions that they do. "Bring it on".
4
These women rock! Keep speaking.
6
White male "privilege" is a thing, eh? How about being a minority female and having free reign to make as many suspiciously bigoted remarks as you like, remarks that white men would instantly be called a racist or white supremacist for making, and for your efforts being lauded as courageous, stereotype-shattering women of true courage and strength. There's real privilege as it exists in the year 2019. Hello Trump 2020.
8
Take note. Donald has not tweet bullied these fine women. There is a hint of respect from Donald.
1
So you’re saying is female politicians are as naturally obnoxious as the males? Great.
I will say one thing, this new class of women has led to a surge in seemingly interesting but ultimately disappointing articles about what being a woman is or is not.
4
Oh please. Enough with stupid rhetoric. As Ricky Gervais would say, just because you feel offended, does not make what I said offensive.
Ditto that you feel "insulted" that "the idea that they’re less ragingly ambitious, more conciliatory or less partisan is insulting...."
Yes, there sure are plenty of rageaholic aggressive right wing women out there in the media, and working for the Koch Brothers and the Donald. So what. Women have lower testosterone levels, full stop. They get in less bar room brawls. They have lower alcoholism levels. They engage in less risky behaviors of all kind including sexual. Women and men are different, get over it. Being equal and being the same is not the same. Being different is not being unequal. Women should have every single chance men do, stereotypes should be shattered, but I find women much better listeners than men and they dont mansplain or sit on the bus hogging 2 seats. Is it social or biological or both?
On another matter, how does one "over-react" to 'flirtation' with Judeophobic stereotypes? So zero tolerance for racism and Islamaphobia, but Antisemitism, lets tolerate a little? to me, that's actually insulting.
2
I like my hero to not use vile antisemitic tropes, so I take exception to lauding Ms. Omar. I think it demeans your point and demeans future (and current) women generally. A woman of 39, representing a district in which she was elected by Jews, knows better, period.
4
No, I don't have to hand it to a woman who accuses Jews of having a greater loyalty to Israel than to America. Nor to a woman who wants to commence impeachment proceedings that would likely solidify Trump's position instead of weakening it. Nor to a woman whose environmental advocacy is backed by not one scintilla of sensible economic planning. These women may be loud and media-savvy, but not one of them will accomplish anything except generation of chaos.
6
These three women have transformed the national discussion. The kids who cut school to march in the streets support the Green New Deal. Fox News is obsessed and terrified, claiming Representative Ocasio-Cortez wants to take away your hamburgers. Representative Omar’s criticism of Israel and AIPAC forced Pelosi and the Democratic establishment to backtrack and transform a resolution against anti-Semitism to include racism and Islamophobia. AOC, Omar, and Tlaib are principled and uncompromising in their struggle for working class people and against U.S. militarism. They are fearless in the face of a wave of racist online attacks and death threats They’re national treasures.
2
The GLARING omission of this article is that these aren't just women... these are WOMEN OF COLOR.
1) Give credit where credit is due. There have been plenty of white women in Congress who have not had the need or urgency or desire to do what these brown and black women are doing. It's funny how white feminists turn intersectional and embrace their sisters of color when the optics are good.
2) Relatedly, lets discuss the pushback these women have received Because they are brown and black and Muslim. Are they really "outspoken" by normative measures, or do you find them to be so, because they finally have a platform that can't ignore them when they speak?
2
Freshman Furies? Probably not the most progressive moniker imaginable...
"THE ERINYES (Furies) were three goddesses of vengeance and retribution who punished men for crimes against the natural order." (From THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY"
@Edward Lindon Yeah, I caught that too. The Furies were bad news all around. Greeks did not consider them good or helpful, just dangerous and terrifying.
Any list of impressive new Congress members must include Rep. Katie Porter.
She's super smart and she's not at all intimidated by the old white men she's been questioning in hearings.
1
The People wanted major change in 2018 and these women are it. Moderate Republicans like Pelosi and Hoyer, and the gerontocracy of the 1960s are finished. AOC 2024 for President!
Thanks for that nice, condescending pat on the head, Ms. Cottle.
You might look at another side of this. These are all younger people; politics as usual has been a disaster for their generation. Can you really blame them for being willing to 'kick over the traces' when they don't like the direction things are headed? Of course you can.
I hate to have to keep saying this, but the NY Times editorial board concern-trolling Democrats over the dangers of 'going too far' is getting old. How far does the right have to go before notice is taken?
We have an outright Fascist White Nationalist in the White House, an administration full of crooks and incompetents, a political party that is fully on board with it all, and a judiciary that is being packed with hard-right activist judges.
It's not just the total inanity of the tweets coming out of 'Executive time'; the statements coming out of the rest of the GOP are bad enough on their own to be setting off alarms in more sane times.
You might more reasonably direct your efforts towards calling out the malfeasance and malevolence on the right, and the critical matter of the longstanding institutions - the press included - that are failing us.
One would almost think the Times is deliberately seeking to avoid seeing what is right in front of it, in hopes that it will go away.
1
Over in the UK, while they wear silly wigs - they boo and cheer and hiss and interrupt; and it all seems more genuine than here.
The "faux" civility of someone like Mitch McConnell is laughable while he stabs his fellow legislators in the back or stonewalls them (and a president) altogether; all the while referring to them as "my good friend on the other side of the aisle".
Its a joke, but not a funny one.
I would much rather have legislators who speak the truth, and speak their mind, and have a realistic opinion about issues.
I am so sick of all the old white men who get in front of their microphones in a hearing and pontificate for hours on end (Joe Biden comes to mind) just to hear themselves talk.
Unlike the current occupant of the White House who lies repeatedly - these women do indeed "tell it like it is". If it is about money - say so. If it is about impeachable offenses - say so. Say more of it please!
It's about time!!
1
There are good waves and bad waves. Gender aside these people are socialists. This is hiding socialism under the guise of a woman movement
2
Very uplifting editorial by Ms. Cottle.
I learned my feminism from two very educated and accomplished members of my family: My mother and my wife.
In my opinion, the disastrous and shameful congressional hearings of Ms. Hill (1991) and Dr Blasey Ford (2018) became the Ne Plus Ultra of institutionalized chauvinism and misogyny of our country. Much to my chagrin, we have not made much progress in the last 27 years in terms of recalibrating our national patriarchy.
I’m really excited about the new congressional leadership team led by AOC, Ms. Omar and Ms. Tlaib as they are challenging the “Status Quo”. They have a lot chutzpah and they are not afraid to kick some Tuchus. It’s time to “Cross the Rubicon” and to shatter the “Glass Ceiling” to smithereens. Godspeed!
Until you start celebrating men, please stop doing it for women. Men can only be criticized as a group, women can only be praised. Stop embarrassing yourself with this openly discriminatory bias against men.
4
These women are media creations. They hold no special influence over the Democratic Party but they do seem to have a great deal of influence over the American media.
4
These 3 are a gift to Trump. You go girl!
4
Speaks No Evil
Sees No Evil
Hears No Evil
1
Why aren't their ideas discussed. In that way this article is business as usual.
4
It's disappointing to see the Times publish pieces that conflate anti-Semitism with pluck. By analyzing the speech of new congresswomen solely as rhetoric judged on a scale of compromising to uncompromising, Cottle legitimizes hate-speech as simply partisan, then concludes by urging us to "hear it for the freshmen Furies." I'm all in with the praise of aggressive women in power, but it's all of our duty to draw the line at racial hatred, always.
2
I see the black & white photo of the three women, and you may want to add McConnell & Trump photos to the collage, this is who we are today- Welcome to America!
1
correction
Sorry to say but I believe that these three will relect Trump.
5
One woman at a time, first up Representative Ocasio-Ortez who joined Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts (a man) to introduce a nonbinding resolution presenting the Green New Deal as guide for doing what the USA shows itself unable to do, bring greenhouse gas emissions under control.
This is a must do, correct? We cannot wait, correct?
To drive that point home I draw on two newspaper reports yesterday, one in the Times and one in Swedish Dagens Nyheter (DN).
In the Times:
"Yes, We Need a Green New Deal. Just Not the One Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Offering." by Steven Rattner. This column opens by ridiculing AO-C and moves on to Carbon Tax, been around a long time.
In DN this headline (my translation):
How Norway Will Become Best in The World in Storing Carbon Dioxide.
This article is a full scientific presentation of a project already underway with Sweden as partner to capture, liquify, and deposit CO2 1000 meters or more under the sea bottom.
Conclusion. Green New Deal proponents will have to develop their proposal by learning how we deal with climate change in the Nordic countries. Guess they will have to learn how to read Norwegian and Swedish, they won't learn here.
Rep Ocasio-Ortez is the future, let's go there, arriba arriba!
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
2
AOC, it was just announced that bcause of you, Amazon aborted New York from its plan and elected to go elsewhere.
City planners nationwide thank and salute you because now some other state will have an opportunity to enjoy those billions that would have gone to your district.
With members of Congress like you, New Yorkers don't need enemies.
5
65 yr old white male. I am 100% standing with these 3 great Patriotic United States Congresswomen.
I know I will come to see great things from them.
..and finally see as well, the dimming sunset of of failed Conservativism
2
I’d like to see these women take a page from Jacinda Ahern’s book and introduce legislation banning assault weapons. I have a feeling that these women could be the force we need to bring the NRA to it’s knees.
If only they’d stand up to anti-semitisim.
1
Just Trumpiness on the other side of the aisle.
4
Offering Sarah as "even more edge" is ludicrous - she was just a ditz.
I was born in Britain and raised during the Thatcher era in a working class family of railwaymen, miners, and nurses, all of whom bore the brunt of the Iron Lady’s toxic politics of attrition. Suffice to say that I’m not convinced that female politicians are not infallible or less ideological than male counterparts. The Republican Party already has its share of women wingnuts, so the Democrats need to be progressive while being pragmatic for risk of appearing just as off kilter as the conservative opposition. Personal agenda, such as anti Israeli rhetoric, needs to be checked as accurate but unhelpful if these new breed want to reunite America with its sanity.
This article ,” you have to hand it to these girls, they don’t hold back.
Well?Judge Jeanine Pierot didn’t hold back either but she was fired for it. Looks like Free speech only applies to the Left😣
2
@Ann Corrado Please grasp “free speech” in its real and true definition according to the First Ammendment. Anyone can get fired by their company for saying something - free speech has nothing to do with it. And, please, stop using a single (incorrect) argument to put across the tired idea that conservatives are more muzzled than Democrats.
I LOVE THEM!👏👏👏 and Ayanna Presley and Katie Hill. ALL OF THEM!
1
... and accomplish nothing.
2
These three women are getting way too much attention from the liberal media. Granted they are attractive and occasionally say clever things but without all their undeserved media coverage they would still be largely unknown.
4
In the Immortal Words of Rudyard Kipling:
“...The female of the species is more deadly than the male...”
Curly, Moe and Larry.
4
With all my heart and soul I strongly disagree with and condemn the contents of this opinion. The only "service" being done by these "representatives" - and who are they really representing if not only themselves, then a very unpalatable segment of the population - is to incite more and more division in the Democratic Party and magnify negative myths and stereotypes of Jews. Indeed, this is one of the darkest times of my life since learning about the Holocaust against the Jews....these women are not political saviors...in my opinion they are the sour product of poor education, social media and mendacious everyday press.
4
The madness of all of our Congresses in recent history is that everyone mistakenly thinks their side is going to win. The newly elected trinity of Democrats are not going to get what they want just like the members of the opposition. Holding dearly to these extremist views on both sides of the aisle has proven repeatedly that it is detrimental to the functioning of our government. These new members would make a greater impact by working for incremental change that actually has a chance to make a difference rather than grandstanding on ideas that will never come to fruition. Gridlock is wholly derived from our misguided dedication to extremism.
2
These women should speak and behave however they think best represents their positions and their constituents. That being said, the Democratic party should be more cautious in giving them an outsized platform. These three women were elected in a year when Democrats took control of the House. This is true. But these three women are NOT the reason that Democrats took control of the House. Each of them represent heavily Democratic districts and not a single one of them faced a meaningful competitor in the general election. The Democrats did take control of the House because of other victories that required flipping districts. The people who won those (more competitive) elections are the reasons the Democrats took control of the House. Who are these people? They don't get a lot of coverage in the NY Times but if the Democratic party is to maintain or build on its recent gains it will because of candidates like those more than the three getting all the attention.
1
I’m getting so sick of hearing about these three (in the same way I’m getting weary of hearing about Trump), and I’m fairly certain I’m not the only one.
How much of what they do is about realistic substantive policy and not just about trying to be provocative?
5
These women share the same fate as any outspoken woman--denigration, condescension and attempts to silence. I'm no youngster myself (approaching 70), but I am energized by these women. I've seen OAC interviewed and I think she makes good sense, and her ideas are not as radical as the press makes them appear. When you hear her articulate her proposals there's nothing outrageous about them, or her. She's articulate and passionate, and what's wrong with that? When I look at the lawmakers of my own age, I see tired and worn out men and women who really should move aside. I'd love to see more representatives who are eager to make changes. I hope there's more turnover in Congress, and we get more outspoken women there.
1
I can only hope that these freshman unite behind the Democratic candidate even if it is not someone on the far left.
Can you imagine what will happen...................4 more years.
While I am hopeful it will not happen, I think there is a possibility
That the 4 freshman will overplay there hand and fracture the party resulting in Trump being re-elected.
1
What are these women doing for their districts?
If the voters who put them in office are satisfied, I have no problem with them speaking out.
That doesn't mean I agree with them. But they are free to say whatever they want.
The question is whether their showboating is coming at a cost to their constituents. And whether they are building allies or enemies among other Democrats.
7
We're barely 90 days into their terms...talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words.
They all take good photo ops - we'll see if there's any substance behind their style.
I find their fervor a bit excessive - I would prefer if they go about their business with a quiet determination.
However, if they believe flair works, go for it. Although, many of their promises and programs have no depth or details.
It's nice to say progressive things which attracts voters...it's another to understand the issues and problems, and begin to work on solutions.
It takes time and partisanship...it remains to be seen if these individuals can find the resolve and are willing to provide the necessary flexibility in order to reach their goals.
1
I applaud the new freshman politicians on their energy and conviction. However, I do have to express my concern on their impolitic ways.
Ms. Omar is not simply "flirting" with anti-Semitism, nor is she engaging in "criticism" of Israel, as some of her defenders try to claim. She has been accusing American citizens of engaging in criminal activity in order to generate support for Israel. That is not criticism of any Israeli policy, act, nor politician. What it is is criminalization of those who do support Israel.
As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. Omar is in an unparalleled position to advocate for the welfare of the Palestinan Arab people. Instead she has chosen to engage in demagoguery, and it should be seen for what it is.
This is not the first time that others have sought to "educate" her in regards to such statements, and the claim that she is naive to the meaning of her statements is disingenuous. Unfortunately the matrix of intersectionality seems to put her, as a Muslim woman of color and refugee, out of bounds. To criticize her is depicted as attacking her, and the impact of her statements is diminished. Were David Duke to have made those statements no one would have hesitated to call him out. But when Ilhan Omar says that Jewish money is buying control of Congress she is depicted as opening a dialogue.
I appreciate the energy she brings to Congress, but must oppose the anti-Semitism that comes with it.
6
After nearly 4 years of listening to Trump trash talk, it seems that we should all want our elected officials to think before they speak-I do. The outspokenness of these 3 new representatives becomes less welcome when what they say increases the division in the country, is not true, or is biased toward any groups-exactly what Trump is doing. If I were a new member of Congress, and did not yet know what I did not know, I hope I would speak my mind mostly to the other members of Congress and do my job, leaving celebrity to others for a time. As a moderate Democrat, I worry that the rhetoric we have heard, if it continues, will not help us next year, when winning matters above all else. I know that Nancy Pelosi will do what she can to rein in new members but I fear that she may not fully succeed.
7
In these times when a number of House and Senate members display disruptive and sometimes corrosive behavior, it'd important to remember a pragmatic paradigm that works as well now, as it has over the decades. You can be a fierce and outspoken champion of the people you represent, but be open to listening; work for compromise resulting in genuine governing; and a display a stubborn commitment to moving our nation forward. In the past Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain, and currently Senator Mark Warner, come to mind. You might not agree with them on all issues, but I would stack their legislative records against anyone. Similarly, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Lisa Murkowski are clear examples, as is Stacy Abrams from Georgia. All examples of tough, committed legislators; unafraid to stand on their principles with an eye to the greater good; and always committed to listening and hammering out solutions to problems that have made all our lives better. Doesn't matter if you're a woman or a man. You want to shoot your mouth off and grab the headlines for 15 minutes - that's your choice. But every time, I'll take the woman or man who's strategic; has the courage of their convictions; and has the guts to take on special interests and even the President.
4
Well, never forget the effect of a backlash that these women are creating. Recent documentary on PBS about the Equal Rights Amendment pointed out how Bella Abzug and Gloria Steinem got conservative women so inflamed that the amendment failed to be approved. How many women will these women inflame the same way ?
7
@Perry With respect, @Perry, that says much more about the conservative women than it does about Ms. Abzug or Ms. Steinem.
They have nothing to fear but fear it self.
Let them speak out and let them make their efforts. The results will show.
1
I keep thinking of the current fool sitting behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office who was elected to disrupt and "shake things up." How's that working out for us. . .
I don't have a problem at all with outspoken women (or men), and I admire and respect people who stand up for what they believe in. I also think AOC's questioning of Michael Cohen was a primer for other Democrats on these committees: she was direct and had a prosecutor's laser focus and her questions were on point.
With that said - and as a lifelong Democrat - I would feel better if newly elected Congresswomen and Congressmen would get the lay of the land before they tried to change the map.
9
From what I’ve read the constituents of these 3 congresswomen are not happy with all their media showboating and public controversy. That is not what they were elected for. They would be much better advised to represent their constituents without inflammatory statements. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez is at serious risk of losing a primary challenge in 2020, and so to a lesser extent is Congresswoman Omar.
10
@Bill You’re on the right track, unfortunately. As someone who lives and socializes in Jackson Heights, NY (AOC’s district) there is a feeling in the supermarkets and coffee shops of....”Where did she go?”
2
I'm angered and disgusted by the disingenuous cries of antisemitism thrown at Representative Omar over her assertion that, simply put, politics, just like marketing, advertising and consumer purchasing, is influenced by money. While small donors to political campaigns make contributions to show SUPPORT for their candidate, does anyone sincerely believe that large PAC donors are just supporting their candidate? Of course not; those PACs, as well as individual large donors, are buying time with their candidate, with the goal of influencing policy. Rep Omar's comment was factually accurate; PACs donate money in an effort to influence politicians. That's all she meant, that's all she said, and she should be applauded for having had the courage to say it.
And please, moderates and conservatives, stop mocking the clean new deal. Why do you have a problem with a mission statement that proposes to create jobs for the unemployed, provide health care for the sick, and house the homeless, all while saving the planet from catastrophic global warming?
7
They are young.
They need to learn and become mature.
That comes with the ability to listen to others. And life experiences.
They need to see there are always at least two sides of a story and they need to hear both sides.
They need to be understanding.
10
@esp
So they need to “learn and become mature?”
Like the mature adults that are making the planet uninhabitable for their grandchildren, but refuse to do anything about it?
1
The problem is, moral idealists don't want to get into the details of how to afford their programs. The days of vague promises should be ended immediately -- we have too much at stake.
And raising taxes to pay for it isn't always a prudent choice.
8
@Robert Miller
But cutting taxes for the 1% is prudent? Either you are a fiscal conservative or not.
Listen it has long past time to bring this house in order. It is time to bring the adults into the room and run off the kids. We need to elect people who will do the job of their oath of office, to protect and represent their voters and looking out for the best interests of the whole not just the donor who pad their pockets.
4
I take issue with lumping them together. They are not a "brand." While they do have commonality, they each bring unique and individual perspectives to their roles. Throwing them into the same bucket is just another way to try and take their power.
4
Shaking things up, especially in politics is probably a good thing. Name calling and being rude or not having the facts cannot be replaced with slogans. "Make America great again" or "hope and change" may get you elected, but it won't necessarily translate to policies and actual changes. Americans are unfortunately not very technologically sophisticated and like most people, react more to gut level appeals than a fact and numbers based presentation. That doesn't mean politicians shouldn't keep trying.
1
I am glad they care about their country and where it is going. Be magnificent if that concerned were more broadly based. Perhaps in time the reputation of Congress might change to something a tad less dysfunctional.
5
Moving on from the role of women in politics to the role of stereotyping, possibly offensive comments, and speaking before thinking, we can see that there are many issues here.
Speaking out can be good, but not when it is without prior deep thinking -- just look at Trump. And sometimes vocabulary that's acceptable in some circumstance is not appropriate in others. Friends might understand what you mean, strangers hear your words.
Being in the US Congress means you are on a world stage, and what you say and how you say it is multiplied by the media.
Don't hold back your ideas, but think of how you are saying it before you say it. It is still your ideas and your energy. It is just more focused and effective when said carefully (which does not mean moderately).
4
Worried about the progressive wing of the Democratic party dividing itself? Division was the worry for the Republican party as Reagan conservatives took over the party and the country--- for the last 40 years. Division was the worry when FDR wanted to give Americans a safety net. And division was the worry when the Democratic party wanted to nominate an African-American for president in 2004. The majority of Americans, by all polls, want the "so-called" progressive agenda: a living wage, free education, medicare for all, the rich to pay their share--- and fix our environment and climate before it is too late. Whether this American majority want to call themselves progressive or moderate is semantics, but unless Democratic politicians sincerely reflect what the majority of Americans want, Republicans and Trump/Pence will remain in control of the world's future.
9
I'm taken aback by the comments here for these women to tone it down and take a lesson from their predecessors. What have those predecessors done to create lasting, significant change? Prior to Trump, the two major parties were almost in lock step on economic policy. We have rampant social and economic inequality due to policies over the last 40 years that came from Bushes, Clinton, and Obama. Please read about Neoliberalism. This is what has caused the mess we are in and it is across party lines (with the exception of Sanders). These women are bravely taking on a very powerful, global power structure. Playing nice isn't going to cut it.
557
What have their Democratic predecessors done? Three words: Affordable Care Act. A better question would be What has Bernie Sanders accomplished during his many years in office? Has he written a single important piece of legislation? I can’t think of one.
45
@UCB Parent
Your "three words" fall on deaf ears for this self-employed Californian who's been uninsured since the inception of the ACA (after having dutifully "paid into" our so-called "system" for nearly 30 years) due to the doubling of the premiums and deductibles for myself and my spouse. My guess is that your health plan is paid for by your (or your spouse's) employer or by Medicare (aka "single payer").
24
@W.F. Call
“ What have those predecessors done to create lasting, significant change?”
Do you mean besides creating the greatest nation in world history, that millions around the globe are voting with their feet to join?
6
Why are Democratic elected officials accused of making vulnerable the "Democratic brand," when they bluntly address controversial issues that American politicians, for decades have run away from?
And why don't Republican elected officials, including the president, tarnish the "Republican brand" when, in some cases for decades, they utter foul, racist, sexist and prejudiced statements (including on religion - the "sacred" ground!)?
Thank God these women are speaking out. They may not always get everything right (no one does). But at least they have the guts to talk about big issues. Aren't all our elected officials supposed to do the same?
656
@AJ
I agree. It's so refreshing to see them fearlessly change the language of the debate. The language we use to define problems dictates solutions. We need new language.
69
@AJ perhaps if they had some knowledge about they are talking about,
such as Ms Cortez fau pauxs on Foriegn Policy and Capitalism and her mind boggling defense of them that even the WashPo gave 4 Pinnocchios..."I think that there’s a lot of people more concerned about being precisely, factually, and semantically correct than about being morally right"....
and Ms Omars many offensive statements on Israel I would agree,
But all they are doing is making sure the next candidate in their vein will not just coast in and actually be vetted by both the press and the voters.
3
Unfortunately, there is one big issue that they don’t talk about, which is how to pay for their grandiose and politically unworkable plans. This is in addition to not discussing how much (probably plenty) it will cost to repair all the damage Trump has inflicted on the environment and the economy.
3
Women in politics will add an important perspective to many issues, and on many others are just another voice.
There is nothing profound about this, just matter of fact. On issues of job discrimination, reproductive rights, marketing shenanigans by consumer companies, gender issues, homelessness of single mothers, and even racism and bigotry in general, women have particular perspectives as women, and are important to hear.
On issues like climate, foreign policy, they also should be listened to, but not as women, as people -- just as a Jew or Muslim have particular perspectives on religious discrimination, but on climate, etc. are like anyone else.
New women in Congress are both new people in Congress and new women in Congress. They have special voices on some issues and just plain old regular voices on others.
If only the media would report appropriately.
5
“It’s all about the Benjamins, baby” — Representative Ilhan Omar.
This makes my blood boil. While as a woman I'm happy to see the new class bring some color and diversity to the House, that does not mean they have a free pass for anti-Semitic, uninformed and offensive speech just because they are women. They seem to be bringing more divisiveness and controversy instead of inclusion and dialogue. Very disappointing.
408
@TJH
Why is it so hard to distinguish between these three very different women, only one of whom said "Benjamins"? It's not only one commenter. This worries me.
100
More divisiveness? Really? It is calling out truth.
Glance across the aisle if you want a clinic on divisiveness.
107
@TJH
Calling attention to the things those established in a comfortable existence want to ignore is unsettling for those who are fine with the status quo. She spoke a truth you want to ignore. She is not anti-Semitic but it's convenient for you to pretend she is.
180
Okay, let's step back for a minute and take a deep breath. I am going to base my argument on my own personal experience as well as those of my peers of the same age. I came of age during the 60's in the SF Bay Area. Was I lacking in maturity and tact? Indeed, I was. Did I have a lot of passion in what I believed in, which at the time was Civil Rights and, shortly after, the women's movement of the 70's which brought us Roe v Wade. Oh, yes, for certain. Fast forward to 2019 and the House's freshmen class. Do they have passion, and are they still maturing as congresswomen? Of course. But their hearts and souls and moral compasses are in the right place. We need a little shaking up, folks. And these ladies will learn quickly the no-no's of being a politician. Heaven's...they have a mentor who is phenomenal, Speaker Nancy Pelosi. So let's stop the premature judging. Let us think back at ourselves as young women. And be thankful that these Representatives are aligning us with the 21st Century and all its complexities.
745
@Kathy Lollock
I base my opinion on my own personal experience too. I know, in my twenties and even thirties, I would not have been qualified to understand the complexities of issues and how to express them adequately. When I was 25, I was offered -out of the blue - a supervisory position in the proof department of a bank. I turned it down because I knew I could hardly supervise myself - let alone someone else.
That these freshmen are getting so far out in front as if they singlehandedly won the House majority is very embarrassing for someone who wanted the Democrats to come in totally professional and focused - the antidote to Trump.
The media attention being given to their missteps is not helping matters. The focus being given to AOC is much like what was given to Trump - completely unwarranted.
81
@Blanche White
AOC is articulate and knowledgeable and actually doing the job: unlike most of the Republicans and too many Democrats who work for corporate monopolies and not for real citizens.
219
@Blanche White Are you aware of the academic record of AOC? This is someone worth watching - and following. She shows a much sharper understanding of the critical issues than many of her seniors. They may not have single-handedly won the House as you put it, but they are blazing a trail for others to follow. Somebody has to do it.
The world is made by the people who show up for the job - they have shown up. Deal with it.
154
I’m a seventy year old white male from the American West. These vibrant, fresh, savvy Congresswomen give me hope! They actually seem to represent their constituents. If only the full House and Senate, on both sides of the aisle, had members with such political spunk and resilience and their mature willingness to work hard.
787
@Dave Thomas
As a fellow Montanan, I agree.
When you look at the sole representative that we have in our state -- allegedly the richest man in Congress not to mention the richest man in the state who can "lend" his campaign $1 million without thinking twice and assault a reporter without consequences -- it makes one wonder where our fresh and savvy representatives are.
We had a good chance in 2018. Let's all try again 2020.
125
@Dave Thomas
Well said, Mr Thomas.
These new Congresswomen seem actually to have taken their oaths of office seriously. I look forward to more like them.
101
@ridgeguy
I think they are taking themselves a bit too seriously and the hard work of governing not seriously enough if at all.
23
The three of them are the result of the indoctrination of our liberal school systems. Though they have accomplished nothing, they rose through the ranks of the DNC thanks to Facebook. Shame on the people who voted for them. A million times, I am glad Trump is in the WH.
8
One has to hope that the Democrats will find someone who can challenge these 3 in a primary and win. It would be better if these 3 have only 1 term in Congress and are replaced with more centrist figures.
9
@judyweller Really? And why is that? Centrist are exactly the problem. More just like them will becoming in 2020.
Women behaving like strong, fierce advocates. We need more, not fewer, women speaking truth to power. Mitch McConnell and the Republicans denying the insanity of the current administration represent male power. If there’s a gender difference call it out: male and female republican silence in the face of anti democratic authoritarianism.
5
Amazing. The Democrats are handing 2020 to Trump and assuming their sense of idealism will win the day. It's a fools game. Until Democrats stop assuming their singular goals will win the day. These goals are safely held within their own bubble and they will not win the day. Until they actually listen to the needs and desires of American voters the are just talking to themselves. It's about America, and not about their own desires. If Democrats continue on this course, they will throw the election to Trump for the price of a song. By their idealistic infighting, their presumptions that they are always correct, and by refusing to engage with FOX and its audience, they are throwing the whole game to Trump. Democrats need to get in the mud. They need to take risks with the people who don't understand their goals. They need to stand tall, stand together, and really, genuinely listen to the American voters rather than preach.
3
I admire these women’s style. I loathe their substance. The idea that we are more collaborative, polite or accommodating than men has long been a thorn in my side as a professional woman in a male-dominated field. I have been called cold, unkind, ambitious and aggressive. And I have welcomed it as a badge of honor. So kudos to AOC and the rest of them for breaking the pernicious stereotype of female nurturance. But their ideology is unacceptable to me, and I am not holding back in fighting against socialism, antisemitism, historical amnesia, and demagoguery. You get as good as you give, ladies.
8
@Mor It's too bad you seem to have bought into the lies spun by the media about these ladies. They are feared because they truly speak truth to power and are uncorrupted by special interest money. AOC recently talked about how difficult it is to get furniture because of all the time she spends in committee meetings...doing her job. Further she has pointed out she has the extra time for doing her job because she does not have to beg for big donor money. That would also cause a disconnect from the people you represent. She doesn't have to deal with that.
4
@Jim What does AOC’s furniture have to do with her ideology? She is a socialist: she confirmed it herself on numerous occasions. I know the history are theory of socialism - not from the “media” but from reading “Das Kapital”. I know that socialism has never worked and cannot work. Omar’s tweets were antisemtic- no matter how you spin it, accusing Jews of wielding too much influence through money is the oldest and most despicable trick in the antisemite’s playbook. I suggest you get out of your own bubble and read some history instead of Slate and MSNBC.
Trump is already using their reckless comments as weapons against his political enemies. Does anyone seriously think that the Green New Deal, for instance, is going to win the Electoral College for the Democratic candidate? Nope. It's just preaching to the choir, and simultaneously scaring away the centre.
8
Stereotyping people by gender, race, color, religion, ethnic background is still stereotyping, and degrading and dehumanizing to the group being stereotyped.
Stereotyping women is sexist and false, even if the stereotype is allegedly a positive stereotype.
This is the reason Hillary saying women are more conciliatory, etc.
is still stereotyping, sexist, and degrading.
It was wrong and it didn't work.
In the contest between Trump and Hillary, exit polls indicate that most white women voted for Trump.
And that resulted in Trump being elected president.
Hopefully they can chip away (or hammer away) at inane and/or out-dated and/or plain-wrong policies. More power to them! We need their youth and energy. We need their non-stick-in-the-mud ideas: their get-up-and-go!
2
AOC is captivating but completely unseasoned. She needs to be educated by those "stereotypes" who know how to get things done without looking foolish. I think she'll get there eventually and may well be a force for good. The other two representatives pictured here are toxic forces and I hope they are not re-elected.
1
What I got from this is that it is bad for these women lawmakers to be inherently more civil, more collaborative, less power-hungry and less personally ambitious.
Also it is bad to be political saviors.
Don’t we want our leaders to have these admirable traits regardless of sex?
Clearly I’m confused.... we need less civility, less team oriented leaders, more power grabbing, and more self centeredness?
1
There is something fun and refreshing about the candor of these three furies. The problem for the Democrats is that the furies are revealing where this party is at. That is, a losing place. As fun as she is to watch act out, AOC is not well appreciated by the great majority of the voting public. She doesn't have to run nationwide, but she, Omar and Tlaib are damaging the Democratic Party bigly. It's a train wreck in the making, and no one can stop it.
7
It is hard to believe there are so many people who are so confident of the future they hold in their minds. Is this possible? I think not. Is it sorcery? Don't be silly. But the beat goes on and we will have to wait until the future arrive before we can concur or disapprove. Fools rush in, etc.,etc.
2
Michelle Cottle stakes out a clear, blunt, and simplistic view of the threat humanity faces. If "outspoken" members of Congress, woman or men, old or new, while establishing their identity and turf, enable Trump (the most "outspoken" President in US history!) to expand his support, divide opponents further, ... all bets are off.
It will bring NO power to the Furies (nor to the Hectors), nor to their "outspoken" followers. Lost in the virtual reality of the Tweet-o-sphere, we'll wonder how this happened, again!
Do the newbies have to just shuddup and tow the line? Nope. But any "outspoken" newbies in Congress, woman or men, old or new, must see the totality of what we all face: the Real Politic of it. To unseat the vindictive threat sitting in the oval office, whose presence each day strengthens brutal demagogues around the world, means the newbies and the old dogs submerging egos, working team-like, at least for now. If there's victory, then"outspoken" ones can stake out more turf. Its deeply naive to not understand this.
Cottle is accurate: its absurd to assume more politeness from women than from men in the bloody arenas of government (Marge Thatcher, Cleopatra et al taught us that). But grandstanding now...by any new (or old) Dems, is a greater absurdity, a danger to every being on earth, no matter how righteously well-intended the grandstander.
Its the classic downfall of the Dems. It wont be simple. It's their (our) greatest challenge.
well, Mr Reagan effectively exposed AOC. She is working, in effect, for the Young Turks.
Enough credible stuff supplied that even snopes, , who tried to debunk it, was debunked themselves.
I can't wait to see her trashed during debates. Stockpiling popcorn.
Omar ? great. Asks the right questions. Trump's foreign policy needs to be questioned. It's disgraceful. Who is in charge, Trump or Bolton?
All in all, so tired of the woman card by the media. You take from women's actual achievements as people.
2
@Maurits women are not a "card" we are a majority of the population.
Just a reminder that AOC, Omar and Tlaib were recruited by a PAC called Justice Democrats. JD was established by Cenk Uyger, a former Republican, whose major backer was Buddy Roemer, a former governor of Louisiana, who remains a Republican.
Justice Democrats is a PAC, not a party, and their stated goal is to blow up the Democratic party and replace Democrats with people of their choosing. They ran about 80 people last year, with little success. They flipped zero seats, because they only ran in safe Democratic districts; they did not run against Republicans. They did NOTHING to help win Congress in the midterms. They are threatening to primary more real Democrats in 2020, because, again, they only attack from the left.
In fact, AOC, between winning her primary, and winning office in the general election, went to Kansas and campaigned against Sharice Davids, a Democratic, Native American women, who actually flipped her seat in the midterm.
When AOC, Omar, and Tlaib, are, "shaking things up," please view their actions through this lens. In some ways, they are a breath of fresh air. In others, they have caused mayhem and pain. Always ask who they serve; is it the majority party, is it Congress, or is it the PAC that put them in office?
Financial irregularities (of $1 million ) and questions of AOC sitting on the Board of the JD, benefitting from PAC money, while running for office. All this, while chiding real Democrats for taking PAC money. This is complete hypocrisy.
7
These three women might even be compared to Trump but with a significant difference. Trump often enthralls the far right with his stick-it-in-the-eye rhetoric toward the establishment. These three women are similar with the left. But Trump doesn’t actually believe in anything but himself and getting press. These three fight for actual policy choices and aren’t just stroking their fragile egos.
4
As New World says says, these girls rock. If a candidate can game the electoral college and secure enough support from people who like the way he disrupts the status quo so that he in the president, then these ladies seem to be doing the same only in a different direction.
If the American electorate is expanding and moving from center-right to center-left, somebody has got to anchor the end of the rope.
1
Jerry Seinfeld has a joke about feeling much better about seeing a woman piloting a commercial airliner than a man because he knows how much harder she had to work to earn that position. What I like most about watching these women is how hard they are working, improvising on their feet, navigating the morass of Washington and drawing attention to issues. They are not embroiled in sexual misconduct investigations, they’re working! Fox News and others of that ilk are desperately trying to ensnare them, paint them into a corner, keep them from gaining traction. But it will fail. It is not their propensity for civility but their propensity for hard work and intelligence that differentiates them from so many of their male counterparts.
3
If Biden chooses, or even thought of Stacey Abrams as a running mate, kudos to him for recognizing the power of women in the post-trumpian world to come.
Soon it will sink in that as a country we have wasted 50% of brainpower because of either bigotry or misogyny. We can’t afford to be that stupid in the 21st century.
1
I hear a lot of sound bites. I am not sure they are helping the conversation.
6
These women are not transformative just because they are outspoken or women. Their ideas are poorly considered and their manners are no different than Trump. Soon the American electorate will awaken from this idiotic fascination with rude loudmouths and start looking for real, practical solutions to our problems. Because if these ladies are the best we’ve got, we’re in deep trouble.
7
They are all clearly political tyros, seemingly ingenuous and fatuous, but all three are certainly enabled/handled by realy competent PR people.
They have truly done nothing of note, but here they are in the Times receiving publicity they couldn't afford to buy!
Their back game is splendid.
2
To counter the gender generality, the maternal instinct is actually controlling and dictatorial swiftly slapping down behavior deemed wrong. Observe any mother with their offspring. Is that foreshadowing of how women would rule.
Every other Times article is about how gender is fluid except when, apparently, it comes to the inherent superiority of genetic women.
Life is not that complicated. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. No gender has immunity. History has proven this many times over.
A beautifully arcing long jump shot counts the same as the bullying effect of sharp elbows to a dunk shot. Perhaps true equality is happening for women. They no longer have to be better or the best to succeed. They can now be your average male bully.
3
Much description. Too little explanation.
Replacing one stereotype with another one. Neither noting ranges of diversities as well as similarities. And in this either/or ODE to...in what ways do the semanticized "Furies," and the contrasted-gendered -"Compromising-Calmers" say, and do, with personal accountability? Newbies as well as Oldies?
I don't necessarily agree with them on everything. But I do admire the fact that they are willing to speak their minds, as opposed to being the typical wishy-washy, hypocritical congressional critters we are so used to seeing...
3
These women are indeed ambitious - ambitious not for glory or self promotion, but to change our government back to its roots, to serve all the people of this country, not just the 1%. I'm so glad to have them challenge the current bunch of toadies in order to take the country away from the oligarchs now busy destroying it.
2
I’m a late 60s white male. I love these women. You go, girls!!!
3
I would like to ask the commenters critiquing the congresswomen in question for lack of „moderation“ and „civility“, in some cases going as far as calling them loose cannons, the following:
What has the so called moderation and civility, as demonstrated by main stream Democratic politicians for decades lead to in terms of broad legislative accomplishments? What outcomes? Other than reinforcing the power of corporate America and increasing the wealth and income inequality to levels unseen for generations? Much success on climate change yet? Infrastructure? Education? Are you proudly going to point to a watered down health care reform (thanks Lieberman)? What about the great electoral successes, for instance during the Obama years? Al Gore‘s playing „fair“ after an arguably stolen election in 2000 by GOP operatives and a politicised Supreme Court, got much in return for that? Giving a pass, in a „civil“ way, to all the arguable war criminals responsible for the gin up of the Irak war, or the white collar criminals in the banking industry, learned their lesson much? McConell preventing a hearing for Scalia‘s Supreme Court seat, how did your restraint and moderation suit you right there?
Please, Democrats, act as if you understood that you are dealing with one of the most dangerous political institutions in the world, the Republican Party, and expect no favors on the other side‘s part, whatsoever. They have proven that they will do absolutely anything to increase their power.
3
These women are the future of America and they learned it all from Trump. Never again in our lifetimes will we ever see another stumbling dinosaur politician from the last millennia elected.
With these women on point and leading from the front, we are taking back our country.
This is the Great Housecleaning. You in or out?
4
These three new congresswomen will prevent the Democrats from retaking the Oval Office in the 2020 presidential election. Democrats have no vision for the United States of America. I'm a life long Democrat.
2
“Long story short, I need you to run for office.”
Long story short, mounting primary challenges in districts like the one Abigail Spanberger won in Virginia is a sure route to Democrats' losing the House in 2020. That's something the Furies either don't understand or don't care about as they promote their personal brands.
7
One of the most impressive new members is Rep. Katie Porter of Irvine, who represents CA - 45. Her questioning in committee hearings has exposed the contradictions between CEO testimony before Congress and how their corporate lawyers are directed to argue in court. Twice, she has gotten CEOs to cite examples of harm to consumers that their lawyers in court claim to be non-existent. Because her questioning leverages the difference, she exposes corporate duplicity.
The media attention at on the top also ignores the broader grassroots trend within the states! Louisiana has 19 black female mayors, including its largest 3 cities; western Pennsylvania elected 5 black female mayors; New Haven, DC, Atlanta, San Francisco, (and soon Chicago!) have black female mayors. This movement--not limited to black women--is inclusive and committed to a mainstream agenda that polls positive: universal healthcare, low cost/free tuition, affordable housing, justice reform--issues the corporate-funded establishment has poo-pooed and ignored.
The point: no division exists among Democrats, unless it is directly traceable to funding, which is why the new officials have made the rejection of corporate money a core value of their independent voices--and why they represent such a threat!
Orange County, CA turned blue! That alone shows the reach and breath of grass roots change looking for a new future. Numbers and policy favor the grass roots movement which lies beyond the parties reach!
4
If women will not save American politics, who will? It certainly won't be the men. Personally, I like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her politics and her probing questions.
3
Making lots of waves but very little sense.
4
For the first time in as many years we have true blue reformers who are expanding a much needed “inclusive” public conversation. Old school Democrats eliminated Glass-Steigel , which afforded them & their friends to loot the 2008 economy into ashes, built for-profit jails and became overnight billionaires.
This excellent adventure destroyed the middle class, which has yet to recover, yet these “brilliant shameless architects insist that unless the status quo is kept, Socialism will destroy the world - presumably, as they know it.
2
All I see and hear are 3 female versions of Trump. Loud and outspoken and hating everyone who disagrees with them. They have no decorum like Trump and try to shout down every, even Democrats who disagree. And when confronted the cry or say they are being attacked not on substance. But because they are women or women of color or Muslims in order to shutdown any discussion and criticism. They are anti-Semitic, criticizing Israel, but never the Palestinians or any Muslim, where there is far more oppression. Where would they live? Somalia, where one comes from of Israel?
I m a lifelong Democrat, but if they are the future then I will have rethink my affiliation. I don’t like ideologues. Impeaching Trump would be a waste and harmful to the country and I don’t support him and want to see him voted out of office.
They are incendiary like the radical right.
Get rid of all 3 and the Democratic party could win in 2020. With them it will be much tougher.
2
@Mel farber Mel, I think there is a big disconnect between the generations. Those under 40 are burdened with debt as a result of 2008 and an economic mismanagement that is swiftly eliminating the middle class or making it a fight to not fall further. I don't know if these young women have solutions but the current generation in positions of political power have offered the electorate very little while the 1% rob us blind.
Being outspoken can have consequences in the USA and being outspoken in by itself does not mean anything especially if the net result in no change in policy. I doubt whether the democrats have gained any new supporters on the contrary it gives independents an impression that the democrats are divided into centrists and extreme leftist.
Let us take the issue of climate change. The root cause of climate change is pollution and excessive carbon emissions. Alternative sources of energy are not cheaper and the mind set of many Americans to continue to drive large fuel inefficient vehicles will not drastically reduce pollution. Large vehicles and mobile units currently used for transportation are mega polluters how is the green deal going to change and make it practical to enforce any legislation which has not changed a thing in our democracy.
With regard to Ilhan she is outspoken and says what she means and means what she says and she is free to express what she likes and feels but when it is perceived as being anti Israel or anti Jewish she runs into hurting the democratic party and thought of as being anti American at a time when Trump has been going overboard to protect and defend Israeli relations and fighting wave of antisemitic words and actions.
Rashida Tlaib's shallow outspokenness was short lived when she had to apologize and clarify what she said about a Republican congressman which bordered on him being racist. It was cute that she embraced him and made it up.
2
I’m an older, white male. I think that it is wrong to generalize about behavior of sexes, though it sells a lot of books (I’ve never read about Venus and Mars).
However, I am happy to see a much larger cohort of freshwomen in Congress this year. From the disgusting “occupant of the White House” (I’m glad I haven’t lost my 1st Amendment rights) to the Kavanaugh hearing, I think a woman’s point of view is sorely needed on Capitol Hill. It is past time for old, white men to share power in this country.
Perhaps the collaboration has happened, after all. Remember the amazing protests the day after inauguration? You don’t find those pink knit caps at Walmart! I marveled at the amount of focused energy and collaboration it took to pull that historic event off. Activist, in your face women are what we need right now to counteract the ignorant Trump base. It was this energy that elected what you refer to as the “Furies”, and I hope it continues.
I would love to see half of both the House and Senate be women. Looking at the make up of the two parties in Congress, that would mean that Republicans have lost control by a wide margin!
2
I will vote for whichever mature adult prioritizes Medicare for All and the economic wellbeing of Americans.
I can't tolerate another four years of politicians fighting around on Twitter. I will vote for the candidate who communicates in a professional, mature manner.
Passion isn't nearly as important as the ability to pass crucial legislation.
Oh, and no anti-Semites, please. We need a president who understands that the only way to get a two-state solution in Israel is for America to push the Palestinians to accept a reasonable two-state solution (since they have refused 12 two-state solutions).
I do not view them as women, but as people whose roots originate from ancient culture and civilizations. (AOC
Three elected representatives are basically concerned with excessive power of a special interest lobby...Climate warming and questioning presidential decisions ...So am I.
1
I love these women and the excitement they generate but I truly believe that impeachment shouldn't be mentioned because Trump's base will go crazy. I believe that we need to beat him at the polls. impeachment is impossible with the turncoat Republicans in charge of the senate.
1
I had great hope for this Congress, thinking the more women elected the better. However, a lack of civility, like ignorance, is no virtue. The fact that Trump exhibits both is a reason why no Democrat should engage in either.
The whole Ilhan Omar debacle distilled what's wrong with the left and its electoral strategy. (It has nothing to do with Jews).
Republican districts swung away from Republicans and are the reason Democrats now control the House, not the Ocasio-Cortez's who replaced already very liberal establishment reps with left-wing anti-establishment reps.
Speak with Americans in those districts and you'll find concern about anti-Semitism very limited. Instead you'll find the label "Socialist" toxic and hear voters mystified and angry at Omar and the left's blatant recklessness and extremism as they fail to address the problems Americans face.
Forget any charges of anti-Semitism, why does Omar keep saying she's the first refugee to serve in Congress when it's a lie? (5 others served long before her, including Rep. Joseph Cao from Vietnam, and Lincoln Díaz-Balart from Cuba). Is Omar totally ignorant, or totally invested in seeing herself as a special victim?
No matter, it totally discredits Omar and the left.
Omar, AOC, and Tlaib are very powerful Congresswoman. They could do remarkable things by working with other Democrats from very different districts (many of them women too). Instead they've shown contempt for them. How is that good for anyone but Trump?
I welcome them to Congress without conditions, revering them when they do right, criticizing them when they do wrong. Neither faux pride nor condescension. And yes, I am glad that they think they own the place.
I would worry about neutralizing the multidimensional incompetent in the White House and his acolytes in Congress and stop obsessing about the young congresswomen.
1
They are too young and inexperienced, have contributed nothing thus far, and so display unwarranted arrogance believing they know more than anyone else.
1
Before one condemns anything that the Congresswomen say, wouldn’t it be wise to first try to determine if it’s true?
1
I have voted Democrat in every election since 1992. If these 3 narcissistic, immature, headline grabbing rookie freshman are the face of the evolving Democrat party, c-o-u-n-t me out. They are the embodiment of the following: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. They need to quiet down and listen up. Honestly, their rhetoric reminds me of Trump.
My only concern would be whether such attitudes are effective. The verdict on that is not yet in.
I find it just so wonderful to celebrate these women and their new fresh personalities. Great example of individual imperatives as a measure of performance Please rewrite this column after they have accomplished something for their constituents and country.
l
These women have the courage and the clarity to speak the truth at a time when we have a person occupying the Oval Office who’s only knows how to lie and deflect attention from his own very likely criminality .
These women have nothing to lose at this point and everything to gain when they call Donald Trump out on his daily malevolent charade.
If for instance , when Donald Trump continues squawking about how much he dislikes John McCain, an odious thing in and of itself, because John McCain is no longer around to respond to this very particular bit of idiocy, these women have the ability in the most overt but courteous possible way to tell the president to finally shut up.
Two words: Bella Abzug
More than a congresswoman, a NYC congresswoman with an attitude to match: " Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick. Those days are over. "
The GOP loves the Donald because he speaks his mind. Back Atcha'. Remember when Hillary caught heat in 2016 for the word 'deplorable'? She was right, but she backed down. She was also told to smile and be more personable.
We saw how that worked out. Dig in your (high) heels, ladies.
Trump has scowled through his first two years and been entirely deplorable. Maybe the new crop of elected women won't fall into that trap, maybe the hysteria from my AM radio is a symptom of panic from the neo-cons, maybe it's just time for more change.
The voters got sidetracked in 2016, started to fix it in 2018, and it ain't over until the lady sings.....
I see nothing uncivil about speaking truth to power. What is not civil is pretending the climate disaster will be avoided by anything other than a radical plan that keeps fossil fuels in the ground. What is not civil is branding anyone who criticizes Israel's policy vis-a-vis the Palestinians an anti-Semite. What is not civil is going about the business of the nation without investigating a president whose circle of lackeys and flunkeys are all either under investigation, headed for prison or lying and/or complying their heads off to stay out of it.
I have a young daughter and when I look around at role models for her, I think of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, PM Ardern and these brave, eloquent, freshmen lawmakers who faithfully, fearlessly, relentlessly seek to fulfill and honor the mandate of the people who elected them.
I have a hard time imagining you praising ham-handed, intemperate speech if it were coming from a white male.
The trouble with newbies is that they think they are being mavericks when, really caricatures.
Talk and Omar come across as line-jumpers who don't understand how things work. If just being loud and unfiltered is a laudable thing, where's the improvement in having "diverse"women?
Sadly, these inexperienced firebrands are improving the odds that Trump wins re-election - They are branding the democratic party as rude and extreme
1
I love it. It's about time.
2
these women are spot on and are our future.
2
One works harder to defeat Democrats than she does to defeat Republicans, one unapologetically argues that me and my people are loyal to a country other than the USA, and one is as foul-mouthed and self-centered as, in the words of a fourth, the occupant of the White House. Michelle Cottle sees much here to celebrate. Wow.
I love these new women politicians. Like the fact that they don't let attacks go unanswered. Too often Democrats let the GOP tell their narratives or never answer GOP attacks. Its time these young women started pushing some uncomfortable buttons all around. I really likes Ms. Ocasio-Cortez's answer to JPMC CEO Mr. Dimon. He deserved her answer especially having never answered for the 2007-2008 collapse of the US financial markets. If these young women are making folks uncomfortable then they are doing their jobs.
1
I see many of the commenters here have their knickers in a twist over a few new, young, smart and savvy female politicians who tell it like it is. The House seems alive again for the first time in years.
2
Hmm? Let's see, now. The Jewish state has "hypnotized the world" (considering all the obsessive hate and invective against it, it doesn't seem to have done a good job in that category), supporters of the Jewish state are only because of Jewish lobby money, we need strict centralized government control planning to save humanity from itself in the so-called Green New Deal (environmentalists of the world: unite) presumably by government committees and apparachiks who know better than everyone else, etc, etc.
I don't know, Michelle. All this fresh new wave-making I'm hearing from this lot and their adoring fans sounds a lot like the same wave-making from the 20th Century we're still trying to recover from in the 21st. There are some still alive who even remember all the dead and murdered, too that were -- shall we say -- collateral damage on the road to utopia. What's the saying: "The more things change, the more they stay the same"?
You imply that these women are more "...power-hungry and ... ambitious than men."
The fact that the are informed, driven, and courageous doesn't mean that they are power-hungry (aside from advancing their altruistic agendas).
I don't think the author has a clue.
2
Bringing up a proposal for an increase of the marginal tax rate to 70% or so, how dare they? Puting moneyed interests under scrutiny, big no-no! Calling out disasterous foreign policies that lead to death and suffering the world over, must be treason, right?
1
How about freshman back-bencher Katie Porter?
So unassuming in appearance and speech and so brilliant at shredding the lies of powerful men after having waited hours for her 5 minutes! She totally ripped the cover off the Wells-Fargo CEO who over-confidently never expected to be challenged by such a newbie!
1
It's about time someone inside the government started speaking the truth. Heaven knows, it was never going to be a Republican.
1
"Three freshman lawmakers shatter stereotypes as they make waves."
You mean stereotypes like obeying campaign finance laws?
1
@Amy
Or, stereotypes like knowing what the Constitution says.
Or, stereotypes like knowing basic facts about the federal budget:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/07/politics/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-facts/index.html
Or stereotype like actually helping you constituents rather than scaring away people who want to make investments with them,
1
Trump and the obtuse GOP are far too addled to realize that their complete lack of anything even approximating leadership would stir the pot. And it has. These 3 are a breath of fresh air. Bravo!
1
During the Clinton years the Democratic Leadership Council made every effort it could to turn the Democratic party into "Republican Lite". These new voices are reminding the leadership that we really do have roots in some pretty radical politics. That the party of the "New Deal" really needs to remember that. These three and others are fighting to keep Republicans from stealing the narrative and the branding. The newspeak of modern Republicans turns rhetoric upside down - The "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" is an example - their way of legalizing discrimination. They've done this with countless other issues by giving them simple labels that are the complete opposite of what they do. The new women of Congress are fighting to end that and bring the real issues, concerns and real fears of people to front of the line. It's about time too.
2
I love AOC but I wish all 3 would dial it back until after the 2020 election. All are likely to hold their seats & their high media profiles are putting the 2020 election at risk. Their high profiles are fodder for a Trump victory.
Trump's campaign will focus on these 3 - whose political beliefs do not reflect the Democratic Party majority.
These representatives are currently functioning not as fresh new freedom fighters but as unwitting stooges for Trump, Fox News & the right.
I hope some mature colleagues will quietly & privately discuss this w/ them because possibly these women do not know - or care - how divisive they are & how destructive their high profiles are to the Democratic Party's ability to defeat Trump.
Being elected to Congress is a great victory for all of them.
That they want to raise their profiles & opinions so high heedless of how they are damaging Democratic chances in the 2020 election is ironic & tragic. They are drunk on their new fame.
I have high hopes for AOC in particular, who's brilliant & has been masterful in public hearings. If only she could reign in her tendency to seek media attention.
But Democrats stand to lose if these 3 cannot recede into the background & wisely spend time studying the history of the House & consider what they could do for their districts & the country. Right now they are focused only on themselves.
In AOC's case this is especially tragic. She may be burning through goodwill & damaging her bright future.
5
These women, especially Ocasio-Cortez, don't seem especially radical to me at all.
Young people today have grown up facing the possibility of unprecedented student loan and medical debt, while looking at Europe and realizing that Europe faces none of those problems while having a tax rate that is not much higher than ours.
Educated people look back at the 1950s, that "glorious" time for the American economy, and note that the marginal tax rate on the wealthy was upwards of 70 to 90%. In face, many of Ocasio-Cortez's positions were mainstream in the 1950s. It is only that the window of "acceptable" opinions has shifted so far to the right that we can't recognize that.
And what has our "corporate-friendly government" really gotten us? Our government now operates in such a corrupt manner, in service of wealthy people hiding money overseas and businesses evading taxes overseas, that we are shocked to see anyone representing the reasonable good of the average citizen and we assume they must be some kind of far-left extremist.
None of these women would be anything but centrist if they lived in Norway or Germany. That we call them "far-left" here says more about us than about them. We are so used to corruption that we've forgotten the alternative.
8
The Democratic Party is no longer leaking voters. More accurately, it is hemorrhaging them, but fortunately for the party, to this point, those who were once loyal and true still despise the Republicans more. And now, suddenly, the party's response to its potentially brief majority seems to be to reach hungrily for a mandate on the strength of a youth movement which hopes to draw from some mysterious pool of people who have apparently never before voted, in favor of those who believe that one party needs to be the adult on the ticket with a will to work toward reuniting the fractured country and bringing some order to the chaos. It would be good to believe that Democrats can somehow break Trump's stranglehold, but the answer is not going to be found in squeezing opposing necks harder in the name of righteous rage.
There are so many problems in America these days and most voters are not averse to progressive remedies in their solutions, but the biggest problem is itself this fracture in society which is not going to be effectively fused by yelling louder than the opposition. If the Democratic Party still believes itself to be politically savvy, it should instead seek support from those who are looking for alternatives to Team Trump that are not equally and oppositely outrageous.
10
@Jerry Meadows
I will go down with the ship like a captain that dies with integrity. What we have gotten ourselves into is a clear demise of the American Empire, as in Rome. When a tv celebrity can become president of the United States we are in severe, catastrophic decline. Like a 737 our system is pushing us into a nose-dive time and time again. We don't need a software update, we need a new system. These strong women are espousing ideas. They are not afraid of ideas or discussion. We have been conditioned to believe in the invisible electric fences that we have been told time and time again exist and will harm us and stand like dumb cows on dusty pasture looking at green grass but don't dare cross those lines. These pioneers walk right through and turn back and say "who is with me?" Republicans will alway win the dirty war. The only thing that can get past their minefields and chemical weapons
is to fly over them.
Finally champions for everyone's rights from our youth population. They have the fire and fortitude of a Democratic icon Shirley Chisholm. She blazed a trail for their place in the body politic.
"Unbought and unbossed"
"I love America not for what she is, but for what she can become."
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."
It is time to recognize their vision is an inclusive prosperous nation that finally pays deeper attention to the Preamble of our Constitution.
5
With all the Republicans who love to call the Democrats weak, spineless, and, their favorite "snowflakes", I have a bit of schadenfreude watching them alternately rage and clutch their pearls at these, and other, outspoken women newly in the House!
They have ideas, they have plans, they have proposals, they have discussion points, and they are not afraid to name issues we all know are out there, but have deliberately been ignored by the GOP and by Democrats who keep hoping they can find compromises across the aisle. Those compromises ended in 1995.
Posters attack AOC saying she has no way to pay for ideas. Have you not been listening? She proposed a 70% tax on all income OVER $10 million dollars, annually. Others have proposed restoring and increasing the taxes on the top 1%, top .1% and corporations, because ALL the tax cuts have resulted in is: more deficits, not more growth, which has slowed under Trump.
What we are seeing from these freshman women is a new, long-needed energy in the House, a need to stop playing it "safe" which hasn't worked for 40 years, has it? I'm a White guy in my 60's and I think what's happening in the House of Representatives is wonderful, and, for the first time in many, many years, I'm excited by what they bring to the table. The leaders need to marshal and direct, not stifle and suppress them. It's like we finally have a brainy, bold, energetic, hard-working answer to the Right's TeaParty Republicans.
Watch them rant and rave!
13
@Dadof2
Actually, it's rational democrats who are doing the most complaining. It is they who realize the damage these women are doing to their party.
I can assure you republicans are amused and quite grateful for them. The more extreme the Democratic Party becomes, the better for republicans.
1
@AACNY
I respectfully disagree. The Right FREAKED at AOC's 70% proposal (and then deliberately mis-represented it).
Fox has been deliberately mis-pronouncing her sur-name. For the GOP, they are trying to paint AOC as the new "Democratic Female Satan" now that Hillary Clinton is in retirement.
The Democrats in the House have seemed to have resolved their most explosive issues.
1
Ranting & raving will not get legislation passed, which is what the Congress is meant to do and could do with strong leadership. It takes more than tweets which is what these women use to get fame and fans. After all, Donald Trump tweets.
I thank and cheer these young women on.Thank you for what needs being said!
5
They have done valid points but when Rep Omar uses age old anti Jewish rhetoric against people who support Israel as being disloyal she attacks members of her own party. The latest poll results are that AOC is seen as the villain in the Amazon debacle which was supported by a majority of NYers and that the runner up in the Pubic Advocates race is the only candidate who supported Amazon and who is a Republican. Thus just shows that being out there having an opinion on everything and constantly Tweeting can make headlines but they are not influencing many Democrats
.
1
I’m an independent so which party a congress person belongs to is unimportant as is gender. i look for substance, demonstrated abilities, and an understanding of the scope of the job. If the record of a candidate has those 3 things they will be additive to government.
First time office holders must understand that winning an election only means their campaign did/said the right things. Once elected the game changed dramatically. Now what the do/say is tangible. Too early to determine if any of these representatives have the “right stuff”.
When in front of a camera rhetoric is simply all talk. What they do off camera is what to watch.
5
I love these women! As a 75 year old - I was what was known as woman's libber, feminist, hippie, flower child - I was afraid that the younger generation of women had lost the fire we had in the 60s. But NO!
The Times should also write up every one of the other women who won in 2018 and beat the men running against them. I've seen them in hearings and on TV interviews. Smart and unafraid to speak their minds. About time!
17
Call me a fossil and a sexist, but I believe that hormones have a strong affect on our personalities, and while stereotypes that box genders into roles are dead wrong, it is inaccurate to assume the collective behavior of women, whether in politics or anywhere else will bear the same liabilities and assets as those of men. This is an attempt to push the square peg of science through the round hole of ideology and cultural correctness.
9
Sorry, but these women understand the diversity of the districts that they represent, but not the diversity that is America. "Telling it like it is", raw ambition, and seeking power without that awareness of all of America mimics the one "whose name we should not mention" who lives in the White House. Gender is no blank check to virtue or genuine service: witness Ms. Conway and Ms. Sanders on the White House staff. In a country that is seriously divided and splintering much more is needed from our leaders than telling like it is, raw ambition and seeking power.
15
OCA is the most well spoken Congress person that I have seen in my lifetime.
It is good to see someone who obviously is well read in Congress again.
16
Oh, I don't know. Daniel Patrick Moynihan was pretty intelligent and articulate. And far-sighted.
Perhaps you are too young to remember.
1
@Michael : You forgot to put 'sarcasm' after your comment about AOC "It is good to see someone who obviously is well read in Congress again." smh!
1
I think what we are witnessing is the contrast between people who went to Congress to achieve something, and a "Do Nothing Congress" that tries to keep a low profile, say nothing, never vote on anything, and who see office as a career position and a business, which was not the intention of a 2 year term in the House.
I find all three refreshing and not afraid to speak their mind. They are well informed and filled with energy. This scares people. People seem to have a false notion about their representatives, and maybe life in general. In reality, if you are not making mistakes, you are not learning, so I encourage these people and others to move ahead with their ideas and intentions.
Currently this country is going no where but down. It is time for a change. A good place for the Democratic Party to begin is to get their candidates straight. Blue Dog Democrats do not belong in the Democratic Party. In reality they work against everything the party stands for and have been instrumental in the past of blowing things up, like health care reform. Their vote cannot be counted on and that's a waste of time. So, yes, primary them. The House is not a club. It's supposed to do something and if people are not united, nothing of worth will ever be accomplished.
17
This is a good example of an American not seeing beyond the end of her nose -or, in this case, beyond the end of US borders. There are plenty of examples from other countries of large numbers of women in the legislature changing the nature of policy and the temper of the body. That does not mean it happens overnight and one can debate if other cultures are simply more open to different ways of doing things than the US. For example, in Europe, the nature of many political systems there simply encourage more collaborative legislatures. But the nature of American politics, not to mention the highly polarized and tribalistic way in which it has evolved, may simply require female legislators to be no less aggressive (assuming that is even a fair characterization) than the men.
8
OK, but is it too much to ask that these freshman women actually accomplish something of substance before they start throwing bombs?
I fear that this younger generation mistakes heat for light and fame for success. The last thing we need is a bunch of mini-Trumps on the left, female or male.
36
They may do "a service to us all", in some respects by highlighting issues that need to be addressed, but they are doing nothing to move the needle toward a more consensus-building style of politics that is needed now.
14
@Mister Ed But the GOP isn't interested in consensus. They have demonstrated that they will lie, steal, cheat--anything to win. Obama went to them, hat in hand, even offering them Cabinet posts. They kicked him in the private parts every time he tried to be conciliatory.
1
I would like to say that I am amazed that AOC is such a hero of the left because she says such ignorant things but I am not surprised at all. She takes credit for chasing away Amazon and thinking that NYC could spend the saved millions of tax dollars on other things not understanding that there was no money when Amazon walked. She told the head of Wells Fargo that they should be responsible for a pipeline failure because they lent the pipe company the money. It's almost as if she has had no education at all but since she is young and spouts extreme left wing positions the microphones are always right in front of her gaff machine. Now she is upset that congress is actually going to vote on her new green deal. Its all so crazy. Why would she submit legislation and not want it voted on?
30
p mcgrath,
The Green New Deal is not legislation. It is an outline of ideas that marry a plethora of green energy approaches with pro worker employment programs. AOC grilled Wells Fargo about their lending practices, because banks examine the economics of the deal, but in this case ignored the ecological consequences. If the loan results in an ecological catastrophe, perhaps the lender enabling that company should pay some damages too.
36
@joe parrott
And let's not forget her pointed questions (with no preliminary grandstanding) to Michael Cohen and Wilbur Ross. Formidable.
@P McGrath
Her comments on the Amazon debacle were a tragic blunder. We can hope she'll learn not to put herself out front on issues that will only prove to be destructive
for her. Apparently it will be a hard lesson for her.
1
A bit of showmanship, charm, and charisma obviously helps (Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Bill Clinton), but the real change they accomplished was by hard work and negotiation, not divisive theatrics (Ralph Nader and the current President). I doubt the firebrands who are the subject of this piece are capable of anything other than their own self-promotion.
21
They are articulating what we are thinking and it's not always going to be the correct few words, but it's us who want to hear this energy and truths and freedoms of expression.
So if you don't like it you know where to go.
I was a bit surprised that so many (and yet not all were successful, and bless them) won and won decisively and because people came out and voted. The normal behavior of the loser of an election is to be respectful, thank supporters and acknowledge that the winning vote was not in his column. And that's OK.
The winner, as these women are doing, must maintain the momentum, keeping in mind that there is much to learn from those who are already there. And they are. Keeping others in mind.
What is most exciting, really fans the flames, is how these few/many among the throng are able to speak out where disagreement with the status quo, which is what is changing after this unbearable 2 years, is what we require. Thank you all, ladies and gentlemen, for speaking out for us.
11
I look at the voters from MN, MI and NY and say bravo. It is time that the young take their place at the table we call democracy. We have a president and senate leaders in their 70s, cabinet members in their 80s yet the largest demographic group in America is under 40. Let the future shine through and listen carefully to what this age group is saying they just may be right.
32
What about 10-17 year olds? This burgeoning group also needs representation. How about adding representation for them in Congress? With age comes wisdom. Unfortunately you don’t realize that until you have age. I thought I knew everything at age 40. Twenty years later I have the perspective to see I didn’t and realize the mistakes I made.
6
Steve Cohen- the green new deal concepts ARE so the 10-17 year olds will have air to breath and water to drink when they are 60, 70 and 80. Millennials are representing this age group.
5
Their "social media celebrity" is a huge character flaw in my opinion. It is sound and fury signifying nothing... just like all of twitter, facebook, and instagram. They create the illusion of activity when nothing is actually happening. Eventually they will be seen as cranks with nothing useful to say.
Congress is irrelevant in the lives of most Americans. All the political noise accomplishes nothing except to anger people left, right, and center. The solution to our societal ills and dysfunctional government will not be found in tweets.
Actually, to be fair, there is likely no solution to be found at all. The social media freak show is a distraction which obscures this reality.
27
@Neildsmith
I wholly disagree.
The young women of the U.S.Congress are showing the courage of leadership and the passion that is absolutely required to jolt our collective conscience.
For example, hearing Ms. Tlaib speak of her grandmother in Palestine brought to life the impact of the other side of the ongoing Israeli “situation” in a way that no other policy maker has ever done.
How bright and courageous are these women at a time when these qualities are in short supply.
Go forward !
23
@HMJ I'm glad you were inspired by Ms. Tlaib's personal history. On the other hand, this is exactly my point. Her grandmother's experience is completely irrelevant to me and the situation in Palestine, while tragic, is also completely irrelevant. I hope someday we will have a more rational foreign policy, but these "women of the house" are our representatives, not representatives of people half way around the world.
17
neildsmith,
There is a general bias against the Palestinians in the US. Israel and Netanyahu has been vilifying those people for many years. The example of a Palestinian grandmother humanizes the "enemy" and that is a step towards a solution. The Israeli Palestinian problem is a source of untold enmity in the Middle East, it would be wonderful to see it resolved peacefully. That is not going to happen with Donald J Chaos & Co. in charge. See Trump's comments during Netanyahu's visit to the White house, "One state, two state whatever you want." Sorry, but the grandmother should be of concern to you.
2
I applaud these outspoken women.
Pulling aside the curtain; beholden to no one but their constituents and their conscience.
Our gov. could us about 1000 of these public servants.
Not beholden to lobbyists and to be cowed by the PC crowd.
You go ladies.
Knowing that free speech does have consequences and those cornered or exposed will come out snarling and gnashing of teeth. As will those whose apple cart has been over turned.
We will see a lot of that here in the Paper of Record.
22
"not always in a good way"? From my perspective, so far, they have a 100 percent record of being right. Rephrase that: "always in a good way".
21
These three, along with Rep. Lauren Underwood, Rep. Deb Haaland, Rep. Sharice Davids, Rep. Katie Porter, and others, came to Washington, not to pay lip service to corruption and ineptitude under the guise of "civility," but to expose it at every turn. See Underwood's questioning of the ghoulish Kirstjen Nielsen; see Porter's questioning of the utterly inept Kathy Kraninger, head of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency; see Omar's questioning of Elliott Abrams. Such public reckonings, whatever the outcome, are so far past due.
43
I love hearing some fire from some women about the topics that matter most to me. For the past 20 or 30 years, every President has slowly eroded the hopes and dreams I once had as a child. The Feminist movement started before I was born and we still haven't had a female President. That makes no sense. The US population is more than 50% female. However, it has come to my attention, that our Constitution may not allow a female President. Because women still have neither equal nor equitable rights in this country. Go ladies!
17
lydia,
The constitution does not bar a woman from being elected or serving as President. I think we are going to see it happen soon.
While I appreciate the point that women are no less ambitious and political as men, and enjoyed the cheer for women, I feel the focus is wrong. What many of us care about is not that women in power listen nicely to each other, but that they listen to us, to the things that trouble our lives. A sweet Congress that has no idea what we’re struggling with is like court dancers stepping a minuet. The press is endlessly focused on personality. Most of us have movie stars or our family members to focus our gossip on. I want the press to cover the way issues rise and make their way (or don’t) into legislation, because that will affect my life. I truly want to beg reporters to quit focusing on the horse race and who feels what about whom, and instead to give the kind of focus on our current conditions, that so many of us give to reading the product of the press. I’ve always been surprised that the NY Times does not have a congressional/legislative section—who needs a whole real estate section (besides the “occupant of the White House”)? We have much more “real” things to learn about.
19
AOC's questioning of Michael Cohen and Wilbur Ross in committee hearings showed discipline, intellect and preparation (and/or good staff work). Omar spoke the truth but an impolitic manner, creating an unnecessary opening for GOP snowflakes. Talib needs to listen to Nancy Pelosi who's forgotten more about governance and management than Talib is likely to learn in many years. They are not all the same, but they all need to work on learning the job and acquiring political seasoning - "It's all about 2020 Baby!"
21
All these women are ignoring the lessons of Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and many others who have delivered. Pressley, Omar, AOC, Tlaib, won in very liberal primaries, then had no serious opposition. How about some attention to the Democrats who flipped REPUBLICAN seats? One example, Lucy McBath, who holds the seat once held by Newt Gingrich.
37
@TC
They flipped those seats not by running far left but from the center. Progressives don't believe centrists have anything to offer. There's your disconnect.
When Democrats start using profanity to describe the president, they provide him with his greatest victory - he has brought them down to his loathsome level. When AOC describes moderates as having no philosophy, she shows woeful ignorance about the views of many of her moderate congressional peers (whose cooperation she will eventually need if she wants to get anything done). If she is correct and she and her allies are allowed to marginalize anyone who takes issue with their view that the political debate can only be fought at the extremes, we will all be forced to endure dysfunctional government for the foreseeable future.
37
@Glenn Gould. So-called “ moderate democrats” allowed the institutionalizing of a free-for-all in Wall Street and banking and the collateral damage of penury among working Americans . Have done nothing against Purdue Pharma and it's owners, the Sackler family, for turning the country into the #1 country in the world with addiction to pain killlers. Nothing about the Jerusalem give away. Need we say more?
1
@Glenn Gould
Because the government isn't dysfunctional now./s
So your saying, the leaders of the Free World are thin skinned and won't compromise or work for the betterment of America 'cause someone disagreed with them, called them out, and was generally mean at them.
What a great bunch of leaders we have.
64% of America can't find $1000 in an emergency.
But well hold grudges and spite our own noses.
Yep, it does sound like 'merica.
1
Unfortunate that they all seem bereft of basic constitutional knowledge and understanding of basic economics, how unfortunate that they get press merely because they are women, if they were men and said half of the outlandish things they have said the Times would either ignore them or flay them - of course that may result in one of them being president.
As a woman I seek politicians capable of compromise, the necessity of balancing a budget not about being the latest internet sensation - I could not care less about the gender of my politicians, I am looking for intellect- sadly none of these three seem to fit the bill.
32
@brodymom yeah, just because they’re women totally bereft of constitutional or economic knowledge. How is it you’re someone that values intellect, tempered compromis, and balancing budgets- a projected self image it appears- if you’re denying what we’ve witnessed in their work: constitutional and economic knowledge and effective, informed questions of Nilson, Cohen, etc all. in the respective committees on which they effectively serve? Perhaps you’re the one who needs to take a break from obsessing over internet sensations?
1
Women have struggled for years to be taken seriously for our intelligence and competence, rather than being judged by our looks. Then along comes AOC, tweeting her skin care regimen...this is feminism? even though I agree with her a lot of the time, I find her insufferable.
25
@Ellen
Ah yes.
Feminism.
Women judging other women for their choices.
Always a good look.
2
@Ellen I find your pigeonholing her for her youthful vigor and style whilst denying the powerful intellectual and politically capable messaging we’ve all witnessed to be insufferable (and hypocritical).
2
They are hot air and big noise at best... All will retire as millionaire lobbyists after they leave office. They are no different than any other serving member of Congress.
23
I love them just for their names, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib. Sure beats Alexander, Blackburn, and Burr.
7
They are the perfect successors to Bella Abzug. Lots of notoriety, buzz, disruption. But any bill with their name attached to it will die. As did Bella’s attempts at legislating.
11
@GC
Whom does that say more about?
Those who speak truth to power?!
Or those who fail to do right, out of spite?!
1
The times they have changed. The modern young women Named in this article are articulate, very confident, and willing to challenge the status quo, and the inherent hypocrisy that it contains. It is generational change. They will no doubt alienate some voters , yet gain a following in others. The three radicle women have merely challenged the previously iron clad control which small groups of powerbroker thought that would last forever.
9
In Ilhan Omar's case, she is actually hurting the cause she is attempting to advance.
She needs to do some research, talk to people outside of her immediate circle and present her arguments without the cute comments.
23
The president seems to be doing just fine with all of his “cute comments”. Once again, women are to be held to a different standard?
“Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world’s estimation.” — Susan B. Anthony
16
Outspoken is not the right word, they have to be diplomatic with
Civility. This is a civil society, unlike rest of the world. so sometimes they have to put filter in their tongue. Not just to speak what they have in their mind, because once it out of mouth, you can not take it out. So think before you say something.
17
@Trevor Diaz civil society compared to the rest of the world , what a great fantasy.
@Trevor Diaz "This is a civil society, unlike rest of the world"
Sorry, mate.. But the rest of the modern world is far more civil that the US.
You are exactly why the rest of the western world regard Americans as arrogant, dumb and, well, wrong.
Ms. Cottle,
I am terrified that you chose these three to praise, because some of their most visible motifs eerily parallel what many criticize most about Trump.
The motifs I refer to are: vicious rhetoric, racism (perhaps inadvertent), and grandiose non-feasible proposals.
Why not praise Nancy Pelosi? Or praise Mary Barra and Dhivya Suryadevara, the CEO and CFO of GM, which employs 180,000 workers. Those noble women of GM help create jobs, while Cortez gloated about blocking jobs that Amazon and a majority of constituents wanted to bring to NYC.
Thank you for your time,
–E
26
@Erasmus Olson. In others words: as long as women behave as you want them, they’re fine. If they seek conversations on complex topics, heretofore ignored, they are nefarious.
2
Erasmus Olson,
Amazon clearly did not want to be a good neighbor in NYC or they would have engaged with the community and addressed their concerns. Good riddance!
@Erasmus Olson
I think the word you were looking for is "narcissism".
1
There are many women who are assets to the Democratic Party and the USA.
Rep. Omar is a (closet) anti semitic person.
AOC needs to grow up and is more likely to be a political Elizabeth Holmes than get elected to higher office.
I am a JFK-RFK Democrat with a small piece of Nelson Rockefeller Republican
I voted for Pres. Obama in 2008 and 2012.
21
I don't understand why the article can't be about the outspoken people of the House. Surely there are also outspoken male freshman members. Let's face it: If anyone published an article about just the outspoken men, the author would be denounced for excluding women. But it is now somehow politically correct to exclude men. We need to leave this kind of gender bias in the dust. People of both genders are worthy of praise.
16
I just hope they will whole heartily support the Democratic candidate even if he/she is not as progressive as they wish because that's what loses elections. Stick together or divided you'll fail as usual.
8
I want these women to take on their peer: Javanka.
There is more than good reason to do this.
Not only is Trump conducting foreign policy in a complete blackout from accountability, but that these two, with their security clearances, are negotiating policy on WhatsApp, an encrypted email app, that I too use.
These people, whose businesses are set to profit, are discussing American foreign policy with the heads of states of hostile countries and nobody knows what they say.
These women have learned to trumpet.
Please blast the noise at Javanka and their clearances.
It would be a great start to take them down.
19