Ocasio-Cortez Stands by Influencer Despite Controversy

Many speculate that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) might be preparing for a presidential campaign, yet she remains unwilling to distance herself from the provocative influencer Hasan Piker.

Piker, known for his far-left views, has made headlines for defending certain extremists and controversially stated that America deserved the September 11 attacks. This has put some Democrats in a tough spot, struggling to condemn him outright.

When confronted by CNN’s Manu Raju about whether Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, should distance himself from Piker, Ocasio-Cortez replied, “I do not think that a Twitch streamer is what the people of Michigan are concerning themselves on.” She emphasized that voters likely want to hear more about issues affecting their daily lives, like affordability.

This isn’t the first time Ocasio-Cortez has faced questions on this topic. Earlier in August, when asked on ABC whether Piker should remain part of the progressive movement, she mentioned the Democrats’ failure to win over young voters, arguing they need to engage more broadly, including on platforms like ‘Joe Rogan.’

She expressed that Democrats shouldn’t succumb to “cancel culture” regarding Piker. “They have a responsibility to build a winning coalition,” she stated, pointing out that young people are participating in various discussions today.

El-Sayed echoed her sentiments, asserting that the focus should remain on pressing matters like gas prices and education, rather than on a Twitch streamer.

Piker himself seems supportive of Ocasio-Cortez, hinting at her potential presidential aspirations for 2028, where she currently ranks high in polls for the Democratic nomination.