AOC says she isn't putting moderate Dems in a tough spot. They disagree.

USA TODAY talked to more than a dozen Democratic members, aides and strategists across the political spectrum and found there is broad agreement on the need to expand background checks for gun owners, protect immigrants and combat climate change. But some moderates say that the approach Ocasio-Cortez has taken on these topics has been unrealistic and it has left little room for the bipartisan compromise they promised voters during midterm campaigns…

Even House progressives who agree with Ocasio-Cortez’s policies – and like having someone to gin up energy on the issues – aren’t sure what to make of her approach.

“In my experience it has never really been productive in the past,” Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., said about Ocasio-Cortez’s public shaming of members of the same party. Grijalva is the former chair of the Progressive Caucus and supports much of the agenda Ocasio-Cortez is pushing.

“But that’s her political call, the consequences are hers,” he said.