MSNBC's recent interview with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has drawn criticism for being overly gentle. The interview, conducted by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, asked Ocasio-Cortez what the public misunderstands about her. The congresswoman's response, that she “does her homework a lot,” was met with derision by some commentators.
Fox News contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier called the response “pathetic,” suggesting it implied mediocrity and a commitment to only the bare minimum. Saphier also questioned Ocasio-Cortez's relationship with facts, citing a 2019 article and a 2023 TikTok video as examples. She predicted a successful future for the congresswoman as an influencer after her time in office.
Fox News commentator Charlie Hurt attributed the perceived ease of the interview questions to Ocasio-Cortez's popularity, noting her remarkable level of support despite what he views as a lack of significant accomplishments. He suggested she expertly leverages this popularity.
The show then highlighted a montage of Ocasio-Cortez’s public appearances, including her “Tax the Rich” dress at the Met Gala, her Vogue interview about her morning routine, makeup tutorials, and dancing outside her office. Commentator Tom Shillue acknowledged her social media savvy, contrasting her online presence with her performance in congressional hearings. He also pointed out what he perceived as a contradiction between her “Tax the Rich” message and her own growing wealth.
