Debate Stirs Over ‘Woke’ Comments by Ocasio-Cortez

Briahna Joy Gray, former national press secretary for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, accused New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of misrepresenting her statement “Woke 1 was crazy” during an August television interview. This controversy reignited debates surrounding Ocasio-Cortez, as Democrats attempt to distance themselves from slogans criticized by Republicans, while progressives argue the party is retracting from movements energizing its base.

Clarifying the “Woke 1” Comment

The clash began when Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks resurfaced on social media. During a Democrat interview, she explained her statement, emphasizing the need for an inclusive progressive movement not based on judgment or exclusion. She asserted that the goal was to maintain principles by including individuals who were not exposed to certain issues and fights.

“What I was referring to, even in the context of that interview, was how we make the progressive movement one that isn’t rooted in judgment, castigation, or being closed off,” Ocasio-Cortez stated. “To me, it’s about pivoting: fighting for the same things and not changing our principles, but doing so in a way that welcomes people, including those who perhaps weren’t always exposed to or educated about some of these issues and fights.”

Gray, posting on X, countered that Ocasio-Cortez was discussing “abolish prisons” and “abolish the police” in context, presenting the question posed during the ABC interview. The inquiry addressed controversial statements by Francesca Hong, a Democratic Socialist state representative running for governor of Wisconsin.

Background on Comments

Ocasio-Cortez gave her statement in an interview on ABC’s This Week on August 9, following Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary against Representative Haley Stevens. Ocasio-Cortez discussed Hong’s previous social media posts, including support for canceling Thanksgiving and earlier endorsements for abolishing prisons and police.

“I have a local city councilman that has this saying, ‘Woke 1 was crazy,'” Ocasio-Cortez said, laughing. “And I think that what’s important is that we have to assess what a candidate is saying now.”

She cited New York City Council Member Chi Ossé, who had used the phrase when discussing controversial statements from the past.

Reaction and Criticism

Days later, the comment sparked critiques from both political parties. Gray and others on the left accused Ocasio-Cortez of abandoning movements against racism and police brutality, claiming she dismissed discussions crucial to her campaign success. Conversely, the right argued that she revised her political stance.

Former Seattle City Council Member Kshama Sawant and socialist outlet Left Voice criticized her comments, interpreting them as a reduction of serious demands from 2020 protests following George Floyd’s police killing.

Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks drew attention again as Maryland Governor Wes Moore responded on CNN, emphasizing progress in reducing crime and investing in violence interrupters without focusing on slogans.

Gray’s Political Position

Briahna Joy Gray has consistently positioned herself left of Sanders and progressive lawmakers known as the Squad. After Sanders ended his 2020 campaign, she refused to endorse Joe Biden. She criticized Ocasio-Cortez and allies for being insufficiently combative in Congress.

In December 2021, Gray opposed abandonment of the “defund” slogan and reiterated her stance during criticism. She previously co-hosted The Hill’s online show Rising, later creating the podcast Bad Faith, where she regularly criticizes Democratic leadership.

Changing Democratic Messaging

The incident illustrates how Democrats have evolved their discussions on topics labeled “woke” by critics. Moderates pointed to the “defund the police” slogan as contributing to election losses in swing districts. Party leaders sought to reinforce support for law enforcement.

By 2026, Democratic candidates in significant races distanced themselves from earlier positions. Strategists recommended refining public messaging and focusing on reform rather than abolishing institutions prematurely.

In Portland, Maine, Ocasio-Cortez addressed a question on transgender rights from an attendee, reaffirming support despite electoral setbacks. She emphasized commitment to trans women’s rights, calling herself “a girl’s girl.”