In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has found herself at odds with her usual allies on the left.
This came about after she publicly denounced antisemitism at a protest that took place outside the Nova Festival exhibit in New York City. The exhibit was a memorial to the victims of the October 7 massacre at the festival in Israel, an act of violence attributed to Hamas. The protesters, however, seemed unable to accept this commemoration, leading to a chaotic scene outside the exhibit and across other parts of New York.
"The callousness, dehumanization, and targeting of Jews on display at last nights protest outside the Nova Festival exhibit was atrocious antisemitism - plain and simple. Antisemitism has no place in our city nor any broader movement that centers human dignity and liberation," Ocasio-Cortez stated, according to RedState.
This statement from Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive "Squad," is somewhat unexpected, given the group's previous positions on related issues. Critics argue that she has previously supported radical protesters and contributed to the current state of affairs. The antisemitism displayed by these protesters is not a new phenomenon, they argue, but has been a consistent element throughout. The timing of her condemnation has led some to question whether this is a response to unfavorable polling data.
Interestingly, Ocasio-Cortez's comments were met with backlash from her usual supporters on the left. They accused her of indifference towards the "genocide" and questioned whether she was receiving funds from AIPAC. If Ocasio-Cortez was attempting to moderate her stance to secure her political future, it appears to have backfired, with many refusing to accept the sincerity of her statement.
This comes at a time when fellow Squad member Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is facing significant challenges in the polls. Observers speculate that Ocasio-Cortez may be trying to avoid a similar fate.
The reactions to her comments were heated, with criticism coming from all sides. One critic asked, "Did AIPAC write this post for you? You visited their encampments & hugged them. You said you admired them, & they should continue what theyre doing. Now youre surprised at the dehumanization & depravity on display from the very people you boosted only a few weeks ago. Pick a side, and stop playing both."
In response to the backlash, Ocasio-Cortez attempted to reassert her progressive credentials. "It is laughable. We can mobilize to end the atrocities in Gaza and combat the rise of antisemitism at the same time. Bigotry in organizing spaces imperils everyones work. I work to end the war, protect ALL my constituents, and fight AIPAC. Believe it or not, you can do all 3," she tweeted.
However, her attempts to regain the support of her base seemed desperate. She even went so far as to label the criticism against her as "antisemitic," a move that is unlikely to win her any favors.
While Ocasio-Cortez may be in a better position than Bowman, her recent actions have not endeared her to her progressive base. It remains to be seen how this will impact her political future.
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