The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution

1/2 of the last of my 2024 reads—finally reviewed!

Ryan Grim takes stock of the last 6 years of progressive politics in the Squad, tracing the evolution of what many hoped was the birth of an insurgent faction of the Democratic Party.

While others make an appearance, AOC’s meteoric political career remains the focus. From Justice Democrats’ all-in wager to unseat Crowley to Sunrise’s occupation of Pelosi’s office in 2018 through January 6th, Grim sheds light on the intense pressures facing radicals in Congress.

Rather than make excuses for what becomes, in AOC’s case, a shift away from the grassroots militancy that built her name, Grim highlights her hedging from early on. Even at the height of her protest era (Sunrise occupation), he reveals that she was always invested in Pelosi as a colleague who could be won over and deserved respect. In fact, one of the central conflicts of her tenure in office is her desire to further both the party and the incipient movements on the outside.

Grim’s choice to print their text exchanges paints an unflattering image, particularly obvious in AOC’s liberal and sometimes inappropriate use of the 😂 emoji. But it does go deeper. Her refusal to alienate herself from Democrats by endorsing insurgents—a move she justifies by saying she wants insurgents to win on their own, without her outsized influence—is one of many decisions that illustrate the reformist political strategy that’s ossified over her career.

Surprisingly DSA is mentioned very little. Only toward the end in a (mistaken) nod to Greg Casar’s political savvy in dodging AIPAC opposition in his 2022 race. This makes clear the minor role member-led groups played in messaging, policy and strategy.

What’s left of the height of excitement for Bernie and the Squad? This account is only half the picture. It’s now the task of leftists invested in the electoral project to learn from these failures to build a real alternative, perhaps one that isn’t subject to the crushing weight of the Dem party. For now, the movement continues, confused by its de facto leaders crowing for Biden and refusing to get serious about breaking from the establishment.