Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democratic representative from New York, recently made a surprising statement regarding her approach to working with congressional Republicans. In an unexpected turn of events, she indicated a willingness to support some of President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, provided they align with her values.

During an interview with Punchbowl News on Wednesday, Ocasio-Cortez explained that she believes Democrats often struggle in elections because they are too quick to oppose Republicans without considering collaboration on certain issues. She stated that her party’s reflexive stance against Republicans may sometimes hinder their ability to present a compelling vision for working-class Americans.

“I think the reason why Democrats occasionally lose elections is because we’re too reflexively anti-Republican and don’t lean into an ambitious vision for working-class Americans strongly enough,” she told Punchbowl News. This remark stands in contrast to the more typical rhetoric from Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives, who have often been vocal critics of the Trump administration and its policies.

Historically, Democrats have focused heavily on cultural issues such as gender, diversity, and climate change, particularly during the Trump presidency. While these topics resonate with many of their supporters, critics argue that the party has failed to address more immediate economic concerns affecting the everyday lives of working-class Americans. Issues like rising food prices, increasing fuel costs, and soaring home prices have been less prominently featured in Democratic campaigns, despite their significant impact on voters.

Ocasio-Cortez’s comments reflect a growing number of Democrats who are rethinking their approach to politics in light of recent election outcomes. Some are suggesting a shift away from resistance-style tactics, which defined much of the party’s approach during Trump’s first term, in favor of finding common ground with the incoming president.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, echoed this sentiment, highlighting several key issues where he believes Democrats can work with President-elect Trump. “I don’t think the American people want extremism, but they do want changes at the border,” Moskowitz said, referring to immigration reform. He acknowledged that his party had failed to connect with voters on certain critical issues, particularly immigration. “On some of these issues, we were to the left of the American people,” he admitted, acknowledging the need for a more balanced approach.

One of the areas where Democrats are seeking common ground is immigration reform. The recent passage of the Laken Riley Act in the House represents a potential step forward in addressing border security and immigration issues. The bill, which passed with 48 Democratic votes, signals a shift toward more moderate positions on immigration within the party. However, it is worth noting that Ocasio-Cortez and other members of the far-left “Squad” opposed the bill, indicating the ongoing divide within the party on such issues.

Rep. Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, was one of the lawmakers who supported the Laken Riley Act. “We should pursue every opportunity around border security and immigration reform,” he said. “That’s number one, and number two is getting costs down,” he added, underscoring the importance of addressing both immigration issues and the rising cost of living.

While some Democrats are embracing a more cooperative stance with Republicans on issues like immigration and economic reform, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has taken a different approach. Schumer is urging his Democratic colleagues to use the confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees as an opportunity to challenge the Republican agenda. According to Axios, Schumer advised top committee Democrats to interrogate Trump’s nominees about their potential impact on American citizens, particularly regarding issues like the economy, border security, and cultural matters.

Schumer’s approach is more aligned with the resistance tactics seen during Trump’s first term. He believes that Democrats should use these hearings as a platform to take control of the narrative from the GOP, especially on key issues that have largely been ignored during the Biden-Harris administration. Schumer’s strategy indicates a continued focus on political opposition rather than collaboration with the new administration.

The contrasting views within the Democratic Party underscore the ongoing debate over how best to approach the next phase of American politics. While some members advocate for a more conciliatory approach, focusing on bipartisan cooperation, others, like Schumer, are prepared to continue the fight against Republican policies, believing that it offers greater political advantage.

As Democrats prepare for the upcoming confirmation hearings, several of Trump’s nominees have already raised objections within the party. High-profile nominations, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Kash Patel for FBI Director, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for head of the Department of Health and Human Services, have sparked opposition from Senate Democrats. Some lawmakers argue that these individuals may not be suited for their roles, citing concerns over their qualifications and political leanings.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., expressed doubts that Democrats would offer any meaningful cooperation during the confirmation process. “I’m really not expecting any help from Democrats,” he said in a recent interview with Newsmax. “I wish we were going to get some, but I doubt it,” he added. Johnson indicated that he would be satisfied if Democrats refrain from obstructing the confirmation process, suggesting that bipartisanship may be difficult to achieve in the current political climate.

As the confirmation hearings loom and debates over immigration and economic policy continue, it remains to be seen whether Ocasio-Cortez’s call for collaboration will resonate with her fellow Democrats or whether the party will remain entrenched in opposition to the Republican agenda. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party will play a significant role in shaping the nation’s political future.