Ocasio-Cortez And Palin, Similarities And Differences

Similarities:

Both are women who are unusually likable*, charismatic, attractive and came to national attention via politics.

Both gained their highest office by challenging a member of their own party. Ocasio-Cortez challenged the incumbent in the primary and won--the district has not had a Republican in 25 years, so the Democratic primary is effectively the election. Palin had a more traditional start, being a city council member, then mayor before challenging the incumbent Republican Governor in the primary. Alaska was not nearly as Republican as New York's 14th congressional district, but in both cases, the primary win was the larger hurdle.

Both Ocasio-Cortez and Palin are relatively extreme--Palin to the right of the Republican party and Ocasio-Cortez to the left of the Democratic party. In a way, this is both a similarity and a difference.

Both are (even though they each have some elite characteristics) working class in their outlook and upbringing.

Both inspire emotional appeal and repulsion.


*Yes, I know. Lots of people hate one or the other (rarely both) of these women, but be honest--you know you would like them if politics was not involved.