Ocasio-Cortez’s Misstep Sparks Online Reactions
There’s quite a buzz on social media surrounding a blunder made by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D.N.Y.) as she defended former CNN anchor Don Lemon. In a video she shared, Ocasio-Cortez discussed how she felt persecuted by the Trump administration, suggesting it was a method to silence those who oppose the president’s policies.
While voicing her opinion, she mentioned that “intimidation is an age-old tactic for quelling public dissent and anger” on a post on the X platform. She continued, saying, “This administration is going after public figures to encourage Americans to self-censor. But we will not be silent and we will not accept violations of our First Amendment rights.”
However, it quickly became apparent that her choice of words didn’t quite fit the context. The term “qualm,” which she seemed to use, is actually a noun, and doesn’t serve as an appropriate synonym for verbs like “quash” or “quell.”
Her slip-up generated a wave of mockery online. One user quipped, “Sedation? Squash? There are plenty of options.” Another, Seth Dillon from the Babylon Bee, advised her to “calm down.”
Moreover, a Blaze TV host pointedly asked, “Are you sure about that ‘anxiety’?” This poking fun continued with another critic commenting, “You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.”
Michael Knowles expressed disbelief that a prominent congressional figure could misunderstand a basic word. He said he had to check if it was a parody account, given the apparent confusion about what “qualm” signifies.
Actor Nick Searcy made light of the situation, suggesting that this was “the fear before the storm” for Ocasio-Cortez. One user, almost sarcastically, said, “Get angry and then buy a dictionary.”
Additional Context
In another matter, Don Lemon recently faced legal troubles related to an incident involving anti-ICE activists at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Although Lemon claims he was merely present as a journalist, the Justice Department has alleged he violated the rights of worshippers.
