Briahna Joy Gray, former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, recently accused New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of misrepresenting her own comments regarding ‘Woke 1 was crazy’ during a television interview. Gray took to social media, stating that Ocasio-Cortez referenced the phrase in response to questions about ‘abolish prisons’ and ‘abolish the police.’
The controversy reignites ongoing debates among Democrats about the use of slogans that have been weaponized by Republicans and the perception of progressive movements within the party. These debates have persisted since summer, highlighting the tension between distancing from certain slogans and maintaining support for progressive causes.
The discussion surfaced when Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks from an August interview reappeared online. She emphasized transforming the progressive movement to be inclusive and welcoming, without altering its core principles. She explained that the goal was to fight for the same issues, but in a manner that includes those unfamiliar with the topics.
Gray challenged this interpretation, arguing that Ocasio-Cortez was responding to a specific question about certain progressive positions. Gray cited ABC News host Jonathan Karl’s question referencing Francesca Hong’s prior statements related to abolishing Thanksgiving, prisons, and police. Ocasio-Cortez’s exact words in the interview were that despite past rhetoric, what’s relevant is assessing current candidate positions.
Ocasio-Cortez discussed this on ABC’s ‘This Week,’ days after endorsing Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. Karl inquired about Hong, who faced scrutiny over past social media remarks. Ocasio-Cortez cited a quote from New York City Council Member Chi Ossé, suggesting a reassessment of comments made earlier in the political discourse.
The dialogue during the interview also involved questions about whether progressive movements had overreached. Ocasio-Cortez reflected on the pandemic era, noting that the openness to discussing varied policies was beneficial despite the rhetoric employed at the time. She acknowledged that the language used then differs from what is seen today.
Ocasio-Cortez has since clarified her stance against several positions from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), including abolishing the police and the Senate. This speaks to a broader narrative among Democrats reconsidering controversial messaging. The comment immediately sparked reactions from the political left and right.
On the left, critics like Gray and Kshama Sawant accused Ocasio-Cortez of undermining movements against racial injustice and police violence. The socialist publication Left Voice argued that Ocasio-Cortez’s comments reduced demands from the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s murder to trivial discourse. Conversely, the right criticized her for allegedly downplaying her role in promoting these progressive ideals.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore commented on the matter, implicitly distancing himself from ‘Woke 1.0’ by highlighting his own leadership strategies focusing on reducing crime and supporting law enforcement efforts.
Gray’s Political Standpoint
Gray, known for her progressive positions, often distinguishes herself from Sanders and the Squad. She notably refused to endorse Joe Biden after Sanders’ 2020 campaign, prompting Sanders to distance himself, clarifying that Gray was his ‘former press secretary – not on the payroll.’
Gray has persistently criticized the Squad for insufficient aggressiveness in Congress. She supported the ‘Force the Vote’ campaign in 2020-21, which pressured progressive House members on Medicare for All votes. Gray opposed moderates backing away from ‘defund’ narratives, preferring to maintain these slogans irrespective of controversy.
She hosted Rising on The Hill’s platform until June 2024, transitioning to her podcast ‘Bad Faith,’ where she frequently challenges the Democratic Party leadership and its progressive faction.
Shifting Democratic Messaging
This exchange is indicative of a changing narrative within Democratic circles regarding slogans tagged ‘woke’ by opponents. Moderate Democrats have historically blamed ‘defund the police’ for losing key districts post-2020, prompting leaders to re-evaluate messaging strategies ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The July Associated Press report highlighted candidates distancing from previous support for controversial policing policies. Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright suggested defining narratives proactively to counter opponents’ framing.
In immigration debates, Democrats are encouraged to discuss reforming agencies like ICE rather than abolishing them to avoid the backlash similar to ‘defund.’
On transgender rights, Ocasio-Cortez has maintained her advocacy. At a recent Portland event, she criticized those retreating from trans rights and supported the inclusion of trans women, emphasizing enduring support despite political shifts post-2024 elections.
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