Watch Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Fire Back on House Floor After Rep. Yoho Calls Her An “F’ing Bitch”

Summary

In a fiery House floor speech, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to Florida Representative Ted Yoho’s derogatory remarks, which were overheard on the steps of the Capitol. Yoho had called AOC a vulgar expletive, and after offering a non-apology, AOC delivered a passionate address, condemning the cultural pattern of dehumanizing language toward women. She emphasized that Yoho's words weren’t just a personal attack but a reflection of a broader societal issue. AOC also called out Yoho for using his wife and daughters as a shield for his behavior, highlighting that true decency is shown through respect and accountability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded strongly to Ted Yoho's derogatory remarks, calling her an 'effing b-word' on the steps of the Capitol.
• 😀 Yoho's initial response to the incident was a non-apology, claiming his behavior was driven by 'passion' but failing to directly apologize to Ocasio-Cortez.
• 😀 Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that while the words were not personally hurtful to her, they symbolized a broader issue of disrespect and harassment faced by women.
• 😀 The incident highlights a systemic culture of misogyny and disrespect, especially among powerful men, including elected officials.
• 😀 Ocasio-Cortez framed Yoho’s actions as part of a cultural issue where such behavior is normalized, particularly in political and public spheres.
• 😀 She pointed out that Yoho was not alone in his behavior, as he was accompanied by fellow Congressman Roger Williams, suggesting that this type of behavior is prevalent and accepted.
• 😀 Ocasio-Cortez criticized Yoho's use of dehumanizing language, pointing out that such language is not only harmful to her but to all women, and sets a dangerous precedent.
• 😀 She rejected the notion that having a wife and daughters makes a man inherently decent, asserting that respect and dignity towards others are the true markers of decency.
• 😀 Ocasio-Cortez expressed gratitude for the exposure, arguing that Yoho's actions revealed how powerful men can behave without consequences or remorse, even in public office.
• 😀 She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to not accepting abuse, emphasizing that women should not be expected to tolerate such behavior and should stand up against it.

Q & A

What incident prompted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to speak out on the House floor?

The incident occurred when Congressmember Ted Yoho from Florida called Ocasio-Cortez a derogatory term ('effing b-word') while on the steps of the Capitol. His comments were overheard by reporters, leading to her speech in response.

How did Ted Yoho respond to the incident before Ocasio-Cortez spoke out?

Ted Yoho gave a non-apology on the House floor, stating that he could not apologize for his passion and did not directly mention Ocasio-Cortez.

What specific comments did Yoho make toward Ocasio-Cortez on the Capitol steps?

Yoho called Ocasio-Cortez 'disgusting,' 'crazy,' 'out of her mind,' and 'dangerous.' After their exchange, he walked away and later used a derogatory term toward her in front of reporters.

What was Ocasio-Cortez's main message in her response to Yoho?

Ocasio-Cortez's main message was that the verbal abuse she faced was not just personal but part of a broader culture of dehumanization and harassment of women in politics and society.

Why did Ocasio-Cortez feel it was important to speak out, even though the incident did not deeply hurt her personally?

Ocasio-Cortez spoke out because she felt it was crucial to stand up for herself, for other women, and for future generations. She wanted to ensure that such behavior was not accepted or normalized, particularly for her nieces and the little girls who would see the incident.

How did Ocasio-Cortez describe the culture of harassment that exists in politics?

Ocasio-Cortez described the culture as one that tolerates verbal abuse and violence against women, pointing out that Yoho's comments were part of a larger pattern of dehumanizing language and behavior that is often overlooked or accepted, especially within political circles.

What did Ocasio-Cortez say about the use of Yoho's family as an excuse for his behavior?

Ocasio-Cortez criticized Yoho for using his family—his wife and daughters—as shields to justify his poor behavior. She argued that having a wife and children does not make a man decent and that respect for others is what defines a decent person.

What broader societal issue did Ocasio-Cortez link the incident to?

Ocasio-Cortez linked the incident to the larger issue of how women are often dehumanized and disrespected, particularly in spaces of power like politics. She highlighted how this cultural attitude toward women is reinforced by individuals in positions of authority.

How did Ocasio-Cortez's response challenge the norms of political discourse?

Ocasio-Cortez's response challenged the norms by rejecting Yoho's excuse for his behavior, calling for accountability, and standing up against the normalization of misogyny in political discourse. She emphasized that respect should be given to everyone, regardless of their political affiliations.

What final message did Ocasio-Cortez convey about how men should behave?

Ocasio-Cortez conveyed that being a decent man is not defined by having a wife or daughters, but by treating others with dignity and respect. She emphasized that true accountability involves apologizing sincerely and repairing the harm done, not just saving face.