So I think the news media, especially conservative media, pays more attention to her then a lot of Democrats. But even with that, she is getting some attention and I think it's a for a combination of factors.
I watch and read many outlets, and it's not just 'especially conservative media'. She came on the scene out of nowhere, and took over a what many felt was a 'protected' seat in her district. If the democrats aren't paying much attention to her? They need too. I think they are personally. They will use her, and will have to deal with the hot seat from her approaches. The Democrats always had something over the GOP, and that would be strong unity. It was a good advantage as well. In politics you always need that ace in the hole, and they have had that for a long time. She - along with some others - are starting to rip and tear that up a bit. Don't underestimate them NOT paying attention to that. They would be crazy if they didn't.
She's a young Latina in an organization that leans heavily towards old white men, she does have some radical ideas, but she's willing to put them out there. Her ideas are no more radical then some of the stuff Paul Ryan put out, but they are still out of the mainstream of Congressional thought even if younger Americans in general identify with some of them.
I'm not so sure about that. Ryan in many ways could roll with the political machine when he wanted to - had to, etc. She isn't going to, and that could be an issue for the unity I spoke about. That is where the Democrats hold their control.
Her ideas would be hard for the more centrist Democrats you have, and that also could cause some more cracks in the party that they can't afford right now. I'm not saying political parties don't need some shaking up, because they all do. They get fat and happy, and they need fresh blood.
She does touch the younger Americans, but both parties know they aren't the most stable and reliable voting block. Democrats want the rust belt back and in the meantime they can't afford to have cracks in the base in other areas - which she seems to be offending. Don't think the Democrats aren't paying attention to that - they learned (people hope) from the last election sometimes your dire hard supporters may turn on you.
And the third thing, which I think is truly what makes her stand out even among her fellow progressive millennial colleagues, is that she really has a mean social media game. She's really good on social media, and that is what her grassroots pays attention to. Honestly I doubt she would ever be interested in President, but I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to primary Schumer or Gilldebrand the next time they are up for reelection, assuming she's old enough.
In political years? It will be forever before she is old enough to even think about the Presidency. Things waffle way to much to even begin to think that far ahead. lol two weeks is a century in politics!
Her social media - among other things - are why the Democrats are paying attention to her. It's also why you seem meme's among other things pro and against her. When you hit the cover of magazines, SNL skits, etc? It's more than the conservative media that is paying the most attention. She needs to get used to the attacks and attention, and since she is young? She is having problems dealing with that. I can certainly understand why. It's incredibly mean and cruel today, but that is what makes the outlets money. It's not going away.
Many firebrands that came before her? They never did figure out that they must have more support than just her grassroots to gain any traction. I'm sure she doesn't fully feel that yet, but someone in her camp better be paying attention. Popularity of this sort can be very fickle in politics.