Critique on Ocasio-Cortez’s Support for Former Aide

Cenk Uygur was quite critical of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on his show recently. He accused her of delivering, well, what he referred to as a “Kamala-like word salad” when asked about her support for her former chief of staff, Saikat Chakrabarti, in the upcoming primary elections.

Uygur took aim at Ocasio-Cortez’s response during an interview with Drop Site News, specifically regarding whether she would back Chakrabarti. He highlighted that Chakrabarti had been a significant player in her successful 2018 campaign.

“What was that? It sounded like a Kamala Harris word salad,” Uygur remarked, attempting to break down her answer. His criticism arises as Ocasio-Cortez has not openly endorsed Chakrabarti, despite his pivotal role in her rise, and he’s now running in a high-profile primary contest.

“I’m trying to think more broadly about the role I’m trying to play in these things,” Ocasio-Cortez explained, associating her hesitation with a broader political strategy. “We have 435 seats in Congress, right? And then you go in and think about your involvement…” she added, suggesting that this was a complicated decision involving various factors.

Yet, Uygur dismissed her reasoning, emphasizing that the question of supporting her former chief of staff shouldn’t be so convoluted. “Yes, but we’re not asking about the other 434 seats. We’re asking about your former chief of staff,” he insisted.

He pressed further, questioning the time taken to decide and suggesting that she should have reacted more promptly. “Will your talented team have to work for six or eight months to support your former chief of staff?” Uygur questioned. “You don’t know who he is?”

Uygur pointed out how pivotal Chakrabarti has been to Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign, noting the significant investment he made. He added that leaders in the progressive movement should actively support allies like Chakrabarti when they run for office. “There should be ladders in place for them to climb, not take them down and take six months to make a decision,” he said.

While expressing strong opinions, Uygur clarified that he doesn’t oppose Ocasio-Cortez, acknowledging her alignment on many policy issues. However, he called her reaction on this matter “bizarre” and “puzzling.”

He also mentioned the California Democratic Party’s stance on issues related to Israel, drawing a distinction between Chakrabarti and his chief opponent, California Senator Scott Wiener, who is known for his pro-Israel views.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Ocasio-Cortez for her comments on these matters.