Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett critiqued the Democratic Party's adherence to "old ways" following Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's unsuccessful bid for the top Democratic spot on the Oversight Committee. Crockett implied that seniority played an outsized role in the decision, rather than focusing on who might be best suited for the position. She questioned whether the party truly considers who is "best equipped" when making leadership choices, suggesting that tenure often trumps other qualifications.

Ocasio-Cortez lost the bid to the more moderate Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia. This outcome was widely perceived as a setback for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Crockett argued that the American public is looking for change and a willingness to shake things up, particularly after electoral losses. She believes the party needs to demonstrate its adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

Rep. Crockett appeared on MSNBC to discuss her concerns. (Screenshot/MSNBC)

While acknowledging Connolly's competence, Crockett advocated for more frequent leadership changes within the Democratic Caucus. She pointed to the Republican Party's term limits for leadership positions, which force more regular turnover, as a potential model. This, she suggested, would keep the party fresh and responsive to evolving political landscapes.

Several media figures, including MSNBC's Jen Psaki, criticized the decision to bypass Ocasio-Cortez. Psaki viewed the Oversight Committee as a crucial platform for countering misinformation and argued that Ocasio-Cortez's media savvy would have been a valuable asset. She framed the choice as a missed opportunity for Democrats to demonstrate they had learned from recent election results.

Psaki highlighted the irony of passing over one of the party's most media-adept members for a prominent public-facing role. MSNBC's Chris Hayes also criticized the decision, specifically calling out former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's involvement in securing votes for Connolly. He described the situation as "a moment of genuine madness" and urged Democrats to take the matter seriously.

"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin also expressed disappointment with Ocasio-Cortez's loss, defending her progressive policies and arguing that they resonate with a broader American audience than often acknowledged. Hostin cautioned that if the Democratic Party rejects these policies as "too progressive," it risks alienating the working class.