Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has only grown in popularity since her rise to become a United States congresswoman. She is young, attractive, and vocal about her beliefs, so, it makes sense that she would receive some kind of notoriety. And with notoriety comes attention that can be both supportive and disapproving. Ocasio-Cortez has witnessed that kind of attention: supported by the Left and disapproved of by those on the Right.
Newsweek has stated that she has been "a target for conservatives," since she has received widespread endorsements from well-known individuals and applause from everyday citizens. It is true that she has received all kinds of responses and critiques from those on the Right. Yes, there have been negative comments or posts made about her from some conservatives.
However, there are conservatives that believe in providing substance with their analyses of Ocasio-Cortez.
What the Newsweek piece failed to mention is that many conservatives do not take joy in attacking the person. It is not about making disparaging remarks about how she looks, what she wears, or wear she comes from. Many of us on the Right are disgusted by ignorant statements that are made about Ocasio-Cortez and other Leftists too. We do not see it as fashionable and/or beneficial to the political discourse in America to make fun of an individual as if some comical post will suffice as actual thoughtful, logical conservative commentary.
A recent post on Twitter referring to Ocasio-Cortez as a "clueless nitwit" is not and never will be the kind of commentary that intelligent and thoughtful conservatives will consider as ideal. As a matter of fact, it is nonsensical because the post tries to make some kind of correlation between the recently sworn-in congresswoman's democratic socialist ideology and her dancing about in a carefree manner.
If it was the kind of post that showed the true feelings of most conservatives, then you would not have found other posts by conservative pundits and writers that disapproved of the initial tweet. Guy Benson, Matt Walsh, and Allie Beth Stuckey all point out in some way that this particular critique of Ocasio-Cortez does nothing and possibly even helps her.
Thoughtful conservatives find a problem with the democratic socialism that she espouses. They find fault with her seemingly lack of knowledge when it comes to how economics works and how her socialist-driven political agenda can even be paid for. Seeing her twirling about to some beat does not cause most conservatives to worry about the future of the country. On the other hand, hearing the Bronx native speak on politics and economics does prompt many on the Right to cringe and criticize. It may seem heavy-handed at times and unfair, but that is the nature of being popular and having much sway over young minds that may see socialism as the next wave to ride for our nation.
Conservatives must continue to be rational in our political assessments of opposing views. But we must deliver those assessments with considerate approaches. Liberals must try to remember that not all foolish (and trendy) posts made by some conservative is a direct representation of the best of conservatism.
Jerome Danner is a member of Project 21, an initiative of The National Center for Public Policy Research. Follow him on Twitter (@DannerJerome) and Facebook (Facebook.com/ThITwithJDanner) for more of his thoughts and commentary. To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.