G. Ronald Lopez/ZUMA
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has had quite a busy summer in the two months since her stunning victory against 10-term incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley in New York’s Democratic primary, stumping for Democratic candidates across the country.
Along with her new national profile has come an onslaught of conservative criticism portraying the 28-year-old, who is likely to become the youngest women ever elected to Congress, as naive and uninformed, in addition to being a terrifying preview of a socialist takeover of the Democratic Party. This week, conservative writer Ben Shapiro, who runs the Daily Wire, publicly challenged Ocasio-Cortez to a debate.
“Miss Ocasio-Cortez, I’m really excited that you’ve been elevated to that position and I would love to have a real conversation with you about the issues,” Shapiro said in a video message. In an insulting move, he even offered to contribute $10,000 to her campaign if she acquiesced.
“Not only am I eager to discuss the issues with you, I’m willing to offer $10,000 to your campaign today for you to come on our Sunday special.”
Hey, @Ocasio2018, what do you say? pic.twitter.com/lKDtmMc8Us
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) August 8, 2018
On Thursday, Ocasio-Cortez responded by explaining the insulting and sexist nature of Shapiro’s invite.
Just like catcalling, I don’t owe a response to unsolicited requests from men with bad intentions.
And also like catcalling, for some reason they feel entitled to one. pic.twitter.com/rsD17Oq9qe
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) August 10, 2018
Naturally, conservatives were not thrilled:
Theresa May could shut up the Brexiteers by saying they’re just catcalling
— Kyle Smith (@rkylesmith) August 10, 2018
This is your brain on identity politics. By challenging her to debate, @benshapiro was actually treating her as an equal. She knows she'd lose, and she needs to posture for her SJW fans, so she declares herself a victim of "catcalling." Totally demented. https://t.co/o8viIeBAV4
— Noah Pollak (@NoahPollak) August 10, 2018