AOC and Bernie Sanders fill the Democratic Party leadership vacuum

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), once marginalized by his own party establishment, is now embraced as a conduit for the grassroots anger directed at President Donald Trump .

Sanders has brought eye-popping crowds to a string of rallies while raising millions at a time when Democratic coffers are drying up.

Meanwhile, the Left is finding a new appetite for its no-compromise style of politics.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are giving voice to Democratic dissatisfaction with leadership while reserving most of their ire for Trump .

The prospect of an animated Democratic base is tantalizing for the party as it seeks to claw back the House in next year ’s midterm elections.

She has taken a series of baby steps toward joining House leadership since her shock defeat of Rep. Joe Crowley , seen as a possible successor to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), in 2018 . Ocasio-Cortez privately suggested to colleagues last year that she might no longer meddle in primary races, after years of supporting progressive challengers, and has begun contributing to House Democrats ’ campaign arm despite previously swearing off the practice. Last year , she endorsed Harris despite offering a protest endorsement of Sanders at Biden ’s nominating convention four years earlier ..