Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Dismisses Past ‘Defund the Police’ Comments, Jokes ‘Woke 1 Was Crazy’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed shifts in progressive rhetoric during an appearance on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, August 9, noting how pandemic-era debates differ from today. In the interview, the New York Democrat addressed earlier support for defunding the police and emphasized judging candidates by current positions. Host Jonathan Karl also pressed her about Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong and the broader socialist movement.Ocasio-Cortez contextualized prior statements around Covid-19, called those discussions “fruitful,” and said crime is discussed differently now with shared goals of lowering rates. She added that rhetoric used during lockdown would not be used today.Separately, The Hill reported that the Democratic Socialists of America withdrew support in 2024 over unmet litmus tests.

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