Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 'astonished' by supportive conversation with Trump voter

'Climate change is our most important crisis. You’re one of the only ones willing to be decisive on it,' Democrat told

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrives at a town hall meeting in the Queens borough of New York City, 27 April (REUTERS)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said she was left “astonished” by a supportive Donald Trump voter who praised her as “genuine”.

The newly-elected congresswoman, known in particular for her radical climate change policy, encountered the man and his teenage son outside her Washington office.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez said the pair posted a note on the wall outside which read: “Trump supporters for Ocasio-Cortez”.

They introduced themselves and thanked the New York Democrat for her work, she said on Twitter.

She said she asked the man: “With all respect sir, how do you manage to support both of us at the same time?”

He said: “I’ve been saying for years that climate change is our most important crisis. You’re one of the only ones who‘s been willing to be decisive on it.”

Ms Ocasio-Cortez has vocally pushed for what she called a Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan of climate action.

She said the father added: “I like you. I can tell that you are genuine and fighting for us. You’re real and you get it.”

Ms Ocasio-Cortez said that she then thanked the family for their kindness,

In a further tweet she added: “Don’t let any politician, no matter the party, lecture you about what is ‘possible’ or ‘electable’.

“The forces getting in the way of solving our climate crisis are politicians themselves + lobbyists. It is the willingness to bend to corporate power – the same ones that use coal miners’ plights for a tax break, yet refuse to pay for those same miners’ healthcare for black lung.”