For many, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 28, came out of nowhere. Going up against Joe Crowley, aka the “King of Queens” and the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House, many discounted Ocasio-Cortez’s chances. But despite Crowley raising far more money than her, she defeated him in the primary almost four weeks ago. Her victory has shown both the power of grassroots campaigns and how people are looking away from the establishment for a better future. However, since her big win, people have also used every opportunity to diminish her because of her age, sex, politics, or experience.
Ocasio-Cortez has chosen not to let these remarks slide, instead taking to social media to shut down sexism, ageism, and other forms of discrimination. But it’s something she’s used to. As she told Elle, “I’m not going to be bullied. I grew up being bullied. I grew up as an ugly duckling in high school. I had jacked-up teeth, and I was really small and gangly, and I had a super awkward phase in middle school, and I had things taken from me. I also grew up as a brown girl in a non-brown environment. So I’m used to people trying to define me for me. And I’m over it.”
And while it’s unfair that she has to defend herself from so many unwarranted attacks, she has proved that she can more than handle herself. Check out a few of her clap backs below.
1
This is in response to Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis who condescendingly called her “this girl.” “You look at this girl Ocasio-Cortez or whatever she is, I mean, she’s in a totally different universe,” he said to laughs. “It’s basically socialism wrapped in ignorance.”
2
John Cardillo attempted to paint her as a liar, but she quickly fired back.
3
Joe Walsh questioned her knowledge on economics.
4
Gavin McInnes accused her of taking credit for coming up with these policies.
5
When she called our Joe Crowley for not conceding.