AOC's Bold Stances Created Tensions with Democrats Early On
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AOC quickly became a "pariah" among Congressional Democrats, clashing with leadership like Nancy Pelosi early on over her progressive demands and tactics.
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Pelosi and other top Democrats were annoyed by AOC's attention-grabbing antics like occupying Pelosi's office in a climate protest shortly after being elected.
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AOC also irritated Congressional progressives like Pramila Jayapal by trying to assert herself as a leader and not "keeping her staff in line."
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Her rollout of the Green New Deal annoyed some progressive allies by including unrealistic policy ideas that handed ammunition to critics.
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AOC took criticism from fellow Democrats "to heart," wanting their approval, but her "radical politics" made many members suspicious of her motives.