Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), known colloquially as AOC, evokes strong reactions from her Republican colleagues, largely due to her unapologetically progressive stances.
But a recent reaction from Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) was largely condemned for crossing the line.
After Ocasio-Cortez asserted that pandemic-induced financial hardship likely played a factor in the spike in crime many large cities are seeing, Yoho approached her in front of reporters on the steps of the Capitol building, where he insulted her and called her a "f***ing bitch."
The exchange was reported by multiple outlets, and AOC proceeded to call him out on Twitter.
Yoho later delivered a speech on the House floor, in which he apologized if he'd been "misunderstood" and said he wouldn't apologize for his "passion."
The Congresswoman was vocal in her stance that this was not an apology at all.
On Thursday, Ocasio-Cortez was recognized on a point of personal privilege for one hour, in which she and her colleagues conveyed their disgust at Yoho's words and his subsequent attempt at an apology.
Watch AOC's opening remarks below.
The Congresswoman criticized Yoho's invocation of his wife and daughters as evidence that he isn't sexist.
She said in part:
"I am someone's daughter too. My father, thankfully, is not alive to see how Mr. Yoho treated his daughter. My mother got to see Mr. Yoho's disrespect on the floor of this House towards me on television, and I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter, and they did not raise me to accept abuse from men."
Ocasio-Cortez used the incident to remind Americans that even powerful men with daughters and wives can levy sexist vulgarities against women in one of the most prominent settings in the United States.
Her words were widely met with praise for her willingness to stand up to Yoho and advocate for herself and women who've been called the same thing.
But the coverage in a New York Times report of the speech is garnering near-unanimous criticism.
The piece highlights that Ocasio-Cortez repeated the slurs when quoting Yoho on the House floor before implying that the congresswoman was using the moment to boost her political brand.
The piece reads:
'"In front of reporters, Representative Yoho called me, and I quote: "A f***ing bitch,"'" [Ocasio-Cortez] said, punching each syllable in the vulgarity. 'These are the words Representative Yoho levied against a congresswoman.'
Then Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who excels at using her detractors to amplify her own political brand, invited a group of Democratic women in the House to come forward to express solidarity with her. "
People disavowed the Times' version of events.
While the Times' coverage may have fallen short, others were inspired by AOC's words.
Yoho has since accused Ocasio-Cortez of inflating the exchange and rejected her words.
@thekalenallen/Threads
U.S. Mint
