U.S. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez raises $200K after battling Jagmeet Singh in hit video game Among Us

Authored by cbc.ca and submitted by viva_la_vinyl

A video game livestream session between federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and a U.S. lawmaker has raised more than $200,000 US in donations.

New York City Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Saturday the funds raised during her battle with Singh on the popular online multiplayer game Among Us went toward a number of initiatives aimed at reducing food and housing insecurity in the United States.

"Grateful to all who joined us last night! Wonderful learning from you @theJagmeetSingh," the firebrand Democrat said on Twitter.

"Thank you for reminding us that another world is not only possible, but just a few hours' drive from NYC," she added, referring to affordable health care and more generous employment insurance north of the border.

Singh responded: "It was awesome chatting with you about how we can build a better world. In Canada, things aren't perfect and we face many of the same challenges. But, together we can do better."

WATCH | Singh, Ocazio-Cortez square off in Among Us:

'There's no way I'm going after AOC': Singh, Ocazio-Cortez square off News Video 0:47 NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talked politics while playing Among Us on Twitch. 0:47

The New Democrat leader, who challenged Ocasio-Cortez on Thursday, said the aim of the friendly head-to-head was to connect with young people.

He told The Canadian Press that the two politicians share progressive values on health care, economic equality and climate change — views that align with a growing slice of younger voters.

rabbit395 on November 29th, 2020 at 20:23 UTC »

I watched that whole stream. It was very wholesome and positive! Anyone who puts a negative spin on raising $200,000 for people in need needs to see the bright side of things a bit more. Isn't it nice to see politicians actually meet the people on their level? The people like games and leaders are now playing games with the people they represent.

boomhaeur on November 29th, 2020 at 14:53 UTC »

Heh - I read this as ‘AOC raises $200K after betting Jagmeet’ - was thinking “holy crap that’s some high stakes Among Us”

v_a_n_d_e_l_a_y on November 29th, 2020 at 14:36 UTC »

I have seen comments about this that basically imply it is pandering / fellow kids etc.

AOC is 31. It's perfectly reasonable that she enjoys gaming. She is younger than much of this sub probably. Nobody would blink an eye at a 31 year old who likes video games.

Yet when she turns that interest into a way to raise money and/or get a political message out, people lose their mind. Like if you don't want to watch, that's fine. No legitimate reason to attack it.