Idolizing elected officials is nothing new and, despite claims to the contrary, certainly isn't a feature of only one political party.

Though many Republicans are often reprimanded for blind allegiance to President Trump, Democrats do the very same thing. One could say that the multiple attempts to resist the current administration are making the Left more like its opposition than it cares to admit. (See: Trump derangement syndrome.)

As the GOP continues to look to Trump in hopes that he'll keep his promise to make the country great again, Democrats are lapping up youth and vitality in the form of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Her rise to political prominence has been both fast and painfully superficial. As a female and a minority, she contrasts sharply with not only Republican leadership but many Democrats as well. For example, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., still top the list of desired presidential candidates for 2020. Ironically, the self-described "party of diversity" continues to look to old, white men for guidance.

Despite the concerns some left-leaning individuals have with her inexperience and impulsivity, they still consider her a favorable option for president. Clearly, fawning over celebrity is also a problem on the left side of the aisle. As the Washington Post reported:



A new poll finds that 74 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults would consider voting for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for president if they could. The 74 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults who say they would vote for her for president includes 17 percent who say they would “definitely” do so. The poll also finds Ocasio-Cortez more popular among Democrats than Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and nearly as popular as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).



It is astonishing that a newly elected 29-year-old would be in the same league as politicians who have stood on the same stage for decades. Even more bewildering is the fact that this interest in her remains despite awkward interviews, including one where she even seems to suggest that we must choose between either facts or morality when considering an issue. As we've seen, the pull of personality is stronger than decades of experience or even the most basic understanding of a subject.

This eagerness to hand leadership of our country over to someone because of how they make us feel would be laughable if it weren't altogether dangerous. Ocasio-Cortez is a social media maven who uses "hip" language. These features do much to distract the casual observer away from her socialism. Remaking the country to her specifications would be disastrous.

While the Left may be fond of her exuberance, the Right misses opportunities to lay out the case against her by hanging onto every word she says. It's not necessary to highlight each faux pas, freshman misstep, or late-night television appearance, especially when they are of the superficial variety. The greater goal should include backing away from discussing external annoyances while highlighting how she truly threatens our country and conservatism. We should care more about addressing her proposed 70 percent marginal tax rate or the Green New Deal.

If nearly three-fourths of Democrats polled are smitten with Ocasio-Cortez, it's not because they're paying attention to her ideas; it's due to the lure of likability. After all, Republicans know what this phenomenon feels like. Since those of us on the Right are aware of all it entails, we should stop making it easier for the opposition to adore her. Their infatuation grows not when she's reciting part of her agenda but when she's defending herself against the onslaught of Republican ridicule.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a present and future force to be reckoned with, as made evident by her growing popularity. If the GOP wishes to counter her obvious extremism, it must ignore the effusive charm and, unlike the new congresswoman herself, focus on facts.

Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.