AOC Dismisses 'Woke 1.0' Rhetoric as 'Crazy' Amid Scrutiny of DSA Candidate Francesca Hong's Past Statements
AOC on ABC's This Week downplayed 2020 'woke' positions as temporary 'craziness' while discussing DSA candidate Francesca Hong's controversial past statements on Thanksgiving, police, and prisons; Hong has since moderated those views.
In an August 9, 2026, appearance on ABC's 'This Week' with Jonathan Karl, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) addressed questions about Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate. Hong, currently leading polls, has faced renewed attention over 2020-era social media posts calling to 'cancel Thanksgiving' due to its colonial associations, alongside advocacy for defunding or abolishing police and prisons.
AOC quoted a New York City council member, noting 'Woke One was crazy,' and attributed the intensity of such rhetoric to the COVID-19 pandemic opening the 'Overton window.' She emphasized that Hong has since 'moved away' from those positions and stressed evaluating candidates on their current stances rather than past ones. Karl pressed on broader movement shifts, referencing AOC's own prior support for defunding the police.
Hong has publicly distanced herself from the most extreme past comments. In recent interviews and debates, she described calls to 'cancel Thanksgiving' as evolving views aimed at acknowledging multiple perspectives, while clarifying she does not support abolishing police or prisons in practice, focusing instead on public safety and aspirational goals. Wisconsin Public Radio and other outlets reported her backtracking from deleted 2020 posts.
The exchange highlights ongoing Democratic Party debates over 2020-era progressive activism. Mainstream coverage from outlets like The New York Times, Vox, and The Hill frames Hong's comments as reflective of peak 2020 discourse on policing and cultural holidays, with many candidates now moderating language amid electoral pressures. Critics, including in conservative media, argue the pivot represents an attempt to downplay earlier excesses without full accountability.
AOC declined to endorse Hong in the race, citing focus on congressional battles. The primary occurs soon after the interview.
AOC: Signals strategic distancing from 2020-era rhetoric to broaden appeal ahead of potential 2028 presidential considerations, while DSA-aligned candidates like Hong test limits of progressive moderation in swing-state races.
Sources (5)
- [1]ABC News 'This Week' Transcript August 9, 2026(https://abcnews.com/Politics/week-transcript-8-9-26-rep-alexandria-ocasio/story?id=135487690)
- [2]Francesca Hong Said Thanksgiving Should Be Canceled. Can Wisconsin Voters Forgive Her? - The New York Times(https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/05/us/politics/francesca-hong-thanksgiving.html)
- [3]Hong backtracks from past social media statements - Wisconsin Public Radio(https://www.wpr.org/news/hong-backtracks-from-past-social-media-statements)
- [4]A socialist candidate criticized Thanksgiving — and unearthed a deeper debate on the left - Vox(https://www.vox.com/politics/498368/francesca-hong-cancel-thanksgiving-abolish-police-prisons)
- [5]Ocasio-Cortez declines to endorse Hong, says she's moved away from past positions - The Hill(https://thehill.com/homenews/house/6019083-ocasio-cortez-declines-hong-endorsement/)