Ocasio-Cortez on Candidate Rhetoric

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) believes that Democratic candidates ought to be assessed based on their current statements rather than their previous comments made during the pandemic. This is interesting considering her own political ascent has been tied to numerous progressive initiatives and movements.

Ocasio-Cortez was asked during a Sunday interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl about Francesca Hong, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate from Wisconsin, who had previously suggested “canceling Thanksgiving.” Ocasio-Cortez remarked that Hong is now “moving away from that,” and referenced a comment from New York City Council member Chi Ose, who had humorously described a past incident as “crazy.”

She shared with Karl that it’s crucial to focus on what candidates are proposing in the present. “My local city council member said, ‘Wake 1 was crazy,'” she joked before emphasizing the importance of evaluating current intentions.

Later, Karl noted that Ocasio-Cortez herself had previously endorsed police abolition and questioned whether the progressive movement might have gone too far back then. Responding, she said, “Well, I think the Overton window has opened wide during this time, especially during COVID-19.” She explained that the pandemic led to unprecedented unemployment and a greater acceptance of various policy proposals in an effort to navigate out of that situation.

Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged that discussions from that time were beneficial but pointed out that the rhetoric from then isn’t what they would use now. She expressed confidence in candidates revealing who they truly are in their current campaigns.

Notably, Ocasio-Cortez does not support Hong and shared that her priorities lie with reclaiming Congress and increasing chances to win the Senate.

Similarly, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), a key figure in the socialist movement, also indicated a lack of support for Hong ahead of the Wisconsin primary on August 11. When asked if he backed her, he said, “I don’t think so.” Although he had met Hong before and found her to be “very, very nice,” he admitted he doesn’t know much about the gubernatorial race.

Sanders mentioned his main concern is the composition of the Senate and House regarding opposition to President Trump, and he has focused on endorsing candidates in congressional races nationwide. “For now, we’re not really involved in that race,” he stated.

During a press conference, Hong herself addressed the absence of support from Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, expressing respect for them and recognizing their dedication to the midterms. She mentioned wanting to discuss their strategies moving forward.

When asked whether she thought their lack of endorsement signified doubt about winning battleground states, Hong responded that gubernatorial races are distinct from federal elections, highlighting her commitment to reaching voters. She believes they need to remain focused until all votes are counted.

In an interesting move, Hong has tried distancing herself from certain past views. In 2021, she stated, “Police exist to protect white supremacy. Defund and abolish. Reform is not an option.” However, she has clarified her stance regarding policing in her recent comments, making it clear that her goals have shifted.

Additionally, she acknowledged deleted comments regarding Thanksgiving being a painful experience for many, suggesting it could be canceled in the past. She also discussed earlier posts criticizing various American holidays, which seem contradictory to her current positions.

Furthermore, Hong supports taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care for transgender youths, asserting the importance of such provisions. She has advocated abolishing the U.S. Senate and ICE, terminating Wisconsin’s school choice program, and even proposed establishing public grocery stores if she were to win the Democratic primary against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.

Ocasio-Cortez’s remark that “‘Woke 1’ was crazy” contrasts her historical stance as a leading figure in the progressive movement. In response to criticism surrounding her prior election losses, she labeled the feedback a “stupid awakening” and cautioned against shunning discussions on civil rights and justice.

Her campaign in 2018 was rooted in ambitious policies like Medicare for All and climate initiatives, backed significantly by the Democratic Socialists of America, who saw her rise as part of a larger movement. Ocasio-Cortez also later endorsed the Justice Democrats, who have been actively challenging incumbent Democrats.

Throughout 2021, she faced backlash for various statements about gender and social issues, maintaining that language and identity are fluid concepts. Her public appearances, such as wearing a “Tax the Rich” dress at the Met Gala, sparked discussions about the intersection of style and politics.

Connections to Sanders’ socialist movement have shaped her journey. She worked as an organizer for his 2016 presidential campaign, and they share a lengthy history of mutual support.

Even earlier, Ocasio-Cortez had expressed that candidates should be evaluated based solely on their present rhetoric. When asked about her concerns with potential backlash from party leadership back in 2019, she felt it wouldn’t be significant, emphasizing that social movements ought to guide political discourse.