AOC Dismisses Past Rhetoric Amid Conservative Criticism

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York recently played down earlier left-wing rhetoric that she and other socialist legislators were known for. Speaking on ABC’s ‘This Week’ with host Jon Karl, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about Francesca Hong, a Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate, who has made controversial remarks in the past. These include suggesting the cancellation of Thanksgiving and the abolition of prisons. Hong has since tried to distance herself from these comments as she seeks the Democratic nomination.

Ocasio-Cortez mentioned a local city councilman’s saying, ‘Woke 1 was crazy,’ while laughing. She emphasized the importance of evaluating what candidates say now. This brought immediate criticism from conservatives.

Background on Criticism

Tim Graham, Executive Editor of NewsBusters, commented that dismissing politicians’ past statements as outdated, just a few years old, seems desperate. He noted Hong’s criticisms extended beyond Thanksgiving to other holidays like Valentine’s Day and the Fourth of July.

Supporters of radical Democrats, Graham added, attempt to moderate their image post-primary to appeal to voters who might not be closely following politics. Past tweets, though not indicative of 2026 policies, could suggest a candidate’s unsuitability for office.

Jesse Arm, Vice President at the Manhattan Institute, posed a critical question to Democrats. He asked which views from the past, such as those on children’s surgeries or biological men in women’s sports, they now find disagreeable. He noted a lack of renunciation from leftist politicians despite voters rejecting perceived ideological excesses.

The discussion extended to climate change. Arm recalled Ocasio-Cortez’s past warnings of the world ending due to climate change, contrasting with her present comments about starting a family in the 2030s. He expressed a desire for politicians to admit the potentially harmful consequences of their past statements.

Reactions from Republicans

Other Republicans chimed in with their perspectives. Texas Rep. Brandon Gill criticized Ocasio-Cortez for attempting to minimize significant societal impacts made under her advocacy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that rejecting ‘woke’ ideology was about maintaining truth.

Conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky humorously remarked on the dismissal of previous extreme positions as recent as yesterday.