CNN Puts AOC On The Spot Regarding Calls For Ceasefire

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reminds me of the annual safety videos you’re required to watch and get quizzed on at work.

In other words, if there’s a fire in the building, you’re not going to whip out the policy and read up on what you should do about it – you just get the hell out.

CNN correspondent Abby Phillip halts AOC every time she attempts to dodge providing direct answers with a bunch of fluff, and it’s a beautiful moment.

Phillip: “As all of this kind of kicked off, you and several other of your colleagues, released a statement calling for a ceasefire in the region. But, I wonder, what is Israel supposed to do about Hamas after they murdered, brutalized, abducted over 1,000 of their citizens? Are they supposed to just do nothing?”

AOC: “Well, you know I think what’s important to note about a ceasefire is that it’s not one-sided. Hamas has been sending thousands of rockets into Israel as well and what is important is for us to identify our goal in terms of what safety means, in terms of what defense means, and I think – “

Phillip: “But if I may, congresswoman – I think the position from Israel’s perspective is that there was already an attack and Hamas already committed an attack. After that happened, do you really believe that they should not respond to that?”

AOC: “I think what is important in terms of response is Israel does have a right to- to- self defense. I think what we need to take a look at in this situation is if collective punishment qualifies as defense. If the blockade on water, food, electricity, if the dropping of white phosphorous, which is an indiscriminate weapon, qualifies. So I do believe that there is a discussion to be had here. I don’t believe that an either-or approach is what is a necessary, but we should identify what our goal is. Which is the cooling of tensions.

Phillip: “Well, Israel’s goal is to rid the region of Hamas. They’ve been very clear about that. And, I certainly take what you’re saying about the condition of Gaza right now for civilians, as you point out are not synonymous with Hamas, but for Israel to deal with Hamas, which is a force that is actually detrimental to Palestinians, how else are they supposed to address a violent militant, some say, terrorist group, other than to go in there and take them on directly?”

AOC: “Well, you know, when we talk about going in there, I think we should also keep in mind President Biden’s statements as well about what the implications of potential ground invasion would be. This is an inherently complex situation. I do believe that Hamas needs to be dealt with – “

Phillip: “But, how, I think is what I’m trying to understand.”

AOC: “And, I think what we’re trying to figure out what right is this present situation of collective punishment and indiscriminate attack is one approach but we are seeing the issues and the complications with that approach now.”

Phillip: “I just…”

AOC: “Can we target them in terms of intelligence, is there precision, what are the options available, are entirely up to the administration and for Israel to examine and explore.”