On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made an appearance and discussed her past experience as a bartender and waitress. Colbert noted that everyone should work in a service job at some point, to which Ocasio-Cortez agreed wholeheartedly. She revealed that she had worked in the service industry for six years, primarily in Chicago.
When asked about the difference between being a bartender and waiting tables, Ocasio-Cortez emphatically declared that brunch orders were much more challenging than regular ones. She explained that bartending during brunch hours was particularly demanding, given the large number of mimosas and Bloody Marys that needed to be prepared.
The conversation then shifted to Governor Walz and his approach to the Republican Party. Ocasio-Cortez praised Walz for simplifying the argument against the GOP into two basic parts: “mind your own damn business” and “stop acting weird.” She humorously added that Walz’s ability to challenge Trump’s idea of masculinity was driving the President crazy.
Ocasio-Cortez further explained that Walz, a former football coach and head of the gay straight alliance, represented an alternative way of being an upright man in America. She commended his efforts in showing that the GOP’s idea of masculinity was flawed and unnecessary.
Reflecting on the current political climate, Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the division in America that has resulted from the Trump era. She referred to Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, in which he spoke of the “better angels of our nature” and discussed the importance of coming together as a nation after times of turmoil. Ocasio-Cortez expressed hope that America could heal its divisions, emphasizing the need for cultural and systemic change.
The conversation concluded with Ocasio-Cortez discussing the unfinished business of reconstruction and the healing that still needs to take place in America. She expressed her belief that healing and moving forward is possible, but it will require collective effort, including conversations around the kitchen table and addressing issues such as criminal justice and healthcare.
Before saying goodbye, Colbert thanked Ocasio-Cortez for speaking with his colleague, Donnie Franks, during a dress rehearsal at the United Center. He then presented her with a shirt that had been gifted to him by Franks. The shirt humorously emblazoned with the phrase “Balls to the walls” received a delighted response from Ocasio-Cortez, adding a lighthearted moment to the conversation.
Overall, the conversation with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert touched on various topics, including her experience in the service industry, Governor Walz’s approach to the GOP, healing divisions in America, and a playful shirt exchange. Ocasio-Cortez’s insight and enthusiasm showcased her ability to discuss both serious and lighthearted topics, making for an engaging and lively interview.
