In the world of digital communication, the term “Inbox Zero” is often associated with the goal of having an empty email inbox, indicating prompt and thorough attention to messages. However, it appears that not everyone, including public figures, adheres to this practice. In the case of Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), her approach to managing her inbox has come under scrutiny, with revelations from a recent book shedding light on her inbox habits and accessibility challenges.
AOC, who made headlines with her shock primary victory in 2018, still had nearly 800 unread texts a year after her electoral triumph, according to the book “The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution” by Ryan Grim. This revelation offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by members of Congress when it comes to managing their digital correspondence.
In June 2019, during a pivotal moment in New York politics, AOC exchanged text messages with reporter Ryan Grim regarding Tiffany Cabán’s progressive campaign for Queens District Attorney. Cabán, an ally of AOC, was in a close race with establishment-backed candidate Melinda Katz. AOC expressed her astonishment at the unfolding events, texting Grim, “This is wild. Like truly.” She also offered her assistance to Cabán in managing the influx of texts and calls, adding humorously, “but I’m pretty sure I still have unanswered texts from primary day.”
In a screenshot shared with Grim, AOC revealed that she had a staggering 795 unread texts, most of which dated back to her primary victory over Rep. Joe Crowley, which had occurred almost a year prior. She candidly remarked, “Lol, that’s still from the primary.” Despite her overwhelming digital correspondence, she expressed her hope for Cabán’s success.
In the end, Cabán narrowly lost to Katz in the primary race, although she later secured a seat on the New York City council in 2021. AOC’s inbox revelation serves as an amusing anecdote from the book, illustrating the challenges faced by a prominent congresswoman in managing her digital communication.
However, beyond her inbox management, the book also delves into AOC’s early days as a member of Congress. Former aides recounted instances where she struggled to return calls and messages promptly, which was considered unusual in the world of politics. According to an unnamed House Democratic leadership aide, there were instances where AOC did not return calls, a practice seen as unprecedented in the political sphere.
Corbin Trent, AOC’s first communications director, shed further light on her accessibility challenges. He explained that AOC tended to be cautious when it came to granting access and was known to keep her interactions guarded. Trent emphasized, “It’s true. She never called anyone back,” as noted in the book.
Dan Riffle, a top aide to AOC from 2019 to 2021, pointed out that even some heads of state did not receive timely responses due to the sheer volume of messages she received, highlighting the practical impossibility of addressing every communication promptly.
In conclusion, AOC’s inbox management and accessibility challenges offer a unique perspective on the digital demands faced by public figures, even as they strive to balance their roles as lawmakers and communicators in the digital age. The revelations from the book provide a glimpse into the human side of a prominent congresswoman navigating the complexities of modern communication.