Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently discussed the shift in progressive rhetoric, particularly in relation to Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. During an interview with ABC’s Jon Karl, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that candidates should be evaluated based on their current positions rather than past rhetoric.

Context of the Interview

Karl asked Ocasio-Cortez about Hong, who is supported by the Democratic Socialists of America and is running in Wisconsin’s primary. Karl noted previous statements by Hong regarding canceling Thanksgiving and past positions supporting the abolition of prisons and police.

Ocasio-Cortez declined to endorse Hong in the primary, stating that her focus has been on winning back the Congress and positioning themselves to have the best chance possible to win the Senate. When questioned about how candidates handle past positions that may not align with the broader electorate, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that local voters ultimately decide based on a candidate’s current platform.

Assessing Candidate Positions

Ocasio-Cortez attributed the shift in rhetoric to the unique circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. She noted that public conversation around public safety has shifted since then, and that the goals of having as low a crime rate as possible are shared by all.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.