In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed the Democratic National Convention and the renewed sense of hope and joy that it brought. Ocasio-Cortez described the convention as a rediscovery of what hope feels like, emphasizing the importance of looking forward and envisioning a better future.

During the interview, Ocasio-Cortez reflected on the contrast between “bailing a boat” and “sailing a boat” in politics. She noted that the past decade felt more like constantly trying to keep things afloat, while now there is a sense of possibility and playfulness in the Democratic Party’s vision. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted issues such as guaranteed healthcare, living wages, and union jobs as part of this vision for a better future.

Ocasio-Cortez received significant praise for her speech at the convention, which she delivered to a packed United Center during prime time. She described the experience as completely surreal, speaking to a stadium where the Chicago Bulls usually play. The congresswoman also mentioned Senator Kamala Harris‘s powerful moments during her speech, joking that she “dunked on Donald Trump a few times.”

When asked about the message and themes of the Democratic Party compared to the Republican National Convention, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the importance of returning to their roots as a working-class party that champions the needs of everyday people. She emphasized the party’s commitment to gender equality, racial diversity, and civil rights, while also promoting economic rights.

Ocasio-Cortez addressed the significance of the many firsts achieved by the Democratic Party, including the first Black president, first female vice president, and the first female presidential nominee. She attributed these accomplishments to the party’s commitment to fighting for gender equality, racial diversity, and civil rights. Furthermore, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of not just protecting civil and gender rights, but also creating economic opportunities that enable individuals to pursue these rights.

The interview concluded with Ocasio-Cortez reflecting on her own journey from being a waitress to becoming a congresswoman-elect. She emphasized that such upward mobility can only happen in America and highlighted the Democratic Party’s role in championing opportunities for all individuals.

In a time when politics can often feel bleak, Ocasio-Cortez’s appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” brought a sense of hope and optimism. Her message of fighting for gender equality, racial diversity, and civil rights resonates with the Democratic Party’s renewed vision for a future that prioritizes the needs of everyday people. As the party takes steps towards promoting economic rights and inclusivity, Ocasio-Cortez’s voice remains essential in shaping the direction of the Democratic Party.