Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
The story of the youngest woman ever elected to the US congress.
The story of the youngest woman ever elected to the US congress. Five months ago, nobody knew who Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was. Now she鈥檚 been dubbed the future of the Democratic Party. When she dared to challenge a long standing Democratic congressman in June鈥檚 primaries, she had no money and no experience. But against all odds she won by a staggering 15 points. She was catapulted into the spotlight and in this week's mid term elections she won a place in the House of Representatives, breaking records to become the youngest woman ever to be voted into Congress.
She grew up in the Bronx but her parents worked hard to send her to a good school in the suburbs. Her father died when she was in her twenties, leaving her working at a taco restaurant to help her Puerto Rican mother pay the bills. She didn't let that stop her and campaigned for Bernie Sanders while waiting tables and serving Margaritas. Fast forward a year, this waitress is now billed as the future of the Democratic Party.
Mark Coles follows Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez鈥檚 journey to Congress, speaking to her friends, supporters, critics and those she鈥檚 inspired.
Thank you to New York One TV news for the footage of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez winning the Primary.
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Broadcasts
- Sat 10 Nov 2018 19:00麻豆社 Radio 4
- Sun 11 Nov 2018 05:45麻豆社 Radio 4
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