Ocasio-Cortez dismisses past socialist comments

On August 9, 2026, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared on ABC's 'This Week' and dismissed past controversial comments made by herself and other socialist politicians, joking that the 'Woke 1' era was 'crazy.' She was responding to host Jonathan Karl's questions about Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong's past statements, such as calling for Thanksgiving to be canceled and abolishing prisons. Ocasio-Cortez defended the comments as products of the COVID-19 pandemic era, saying that rhetoric from that time is not what would be used today. She also addressed her relationship with the United States — Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), noting that she is a member of the United States — New York City chapter rather than the national organization and does not agree with all its positions. The DSA withdrew its endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez in 2024 over her failure to meet conditions including opposing all funding to Israel and supporting boycotts and sanctions. The group has also been split on whether to endorse her for the 2028 presidential election. Canary Mission, a group that monitors anti-Israel activity, commented that an Ocasio-Cortez presidency would give the movement access to the executive branch.