Staff Reports
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is once again flexing her social media muscles, insisting that anyone who doubted her unwavering support for Palestinian causes is simply misinformed. This time, she’s targeting a wave of criticism that suggests her allegiance to the pro-Palestinian narrative just isn’t as clear as her fans would like it to be. As a member of the progressive “Squad,” Ocasio-Cortez has developed quite the reputation for her fiery rhetoric, and she didn’t hold back when addressing those who called her out in a recent Instagram story.
The recent conflict in Gaza has seen Ocasio-Cortez labeling Israel’s actions as “genocide.” Such statements come after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which raised eyebrows among many who wonder if she really has her facts straight. With her call for an immediate ceasefire, the congresswoman is leaning hard into her narrative and positioning herself as a champion of Palestinian rights, even while critics say her actions may not align with her words.
.@AOC addresses leftist criticism of her on Palestine, attributing it to her position as an elected official + disinformation (a protester accused her in a Chicago restaurant of not saying "genocide" when she did so months ago). pic.twitter.com/ZdTkkhg2cU
— bryan metzger (@metzgov) August 29, 2024
In true AOC fashion, she claimed that much of the dissent against her stems from “disinformation.” If there’s one thing Ocasio-Cortez can’t stand, it’s the idea that anyone might misconstrue her messages. She assured her followers that she has one of the strongest voting records on Palestinian human rights in Congress. Never mind that many feel her record is more about posturing than actual advocacy—after all, it’s hard to get that “true believer” vibe when standing behind the curtains of the Democratic Party.
During her rant, she brought up the powerful lobby AIPAC—perhaps in an attempt to shift focus away from any skepticism about her actions. She lamented the hefty funds they’ve spent trying to unseat members of Congress who dare to challenge the mainstream narrative on Israel. But rather than consider how her own party’s divisions might reflect on her credibility, she shifted the blame for any backlash she faces onto the so-called “disinformation” campaigns swirling around the internet.
In her recent interactions, especially at the Democratic National Convention, Ocasio-Cortez encountered protests from frustrated activists who believed she wasn’t vocal enough about her stance. But rather than address the core concerns of her critics, she played the “disinformation” card and reiterated the idea that destructive narratives are muddling the waters of legitimate advocacy. The irony here is palpable; while she decries the rampant misinformation around her, she seems to play fast and loose with the facts whenever it suits her agenda.
Ocasio-Cortez also took the DNC to task for not allowing a Palestinian speaker to address the convention—an odd complaint given the guest list that included the family of an American Israeli hostage held by Hamas. Despite her criticisms, she received a prime speaking slot, showcasing that the “Squad,” and particularly Ocasio-Cortez, remain a significant, if contentious, force within the Democratic Party. Whether she’s championing the latest trending progressive cause or insisting on her credibility as a pro-Palestinian advocate, one thing is clear: Ocasio-Cortez is always ready to throw her critics under the bus when it suits her narrative.
