Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shrugs off past 'defund the police' comments, joking 'Woke 1 was crazy'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., characterized past controversial statements by socialist politicians, including her own, as belonging to a “Woke 1” era that was “crazy.” She suggested that these comments were made during a time of heightened openness to change during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that current rhetoric and policy proposals should be the focus when assessing candidates, distinguishing them from past statements made under different circumstances.

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez referred to past controversial statements by socialists as “Woke 1 was crazy.”
• She stated that discussions and rhetoric during the COVID-19 shutdowns were different and more open to change.
• Ocasio-Cortez believes candidates should be assessed based on their current positions and what they are campaigning on now.
• While she is no longer a member of the national DSA, the organization still lists abolishing the police as a position.
• The DSA has had internal divisions regarding endorsements of Ocasio-Cortez, including withdrawing support for her re-election in 2024 over conditions not being met.