AOC must be embarrassed after this.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing a wave of criticism after revealing that she probably would not date a conservative — and Fox News personalities wasted little time responding.
The New York Democrat was recently approached outside the U.S. Capitol and asked a question that had little to do with legislation, elections or government spending.
Would she ever date a conservative?
Ocasio-Cortez laughed before admitting that the answer was probably no.
While she stressed that she has nothing against people who date across political lines, the progressive congresswoman explained that political beliefs can reflect a person’s deeper values. For her, having similar values in a relationship is extremely important.
That answer quickly made its way to Fox News, where Julie Banderas had a pointed response of her own.
Fox News Fires Back at Ocasio-Cortez
During a discussion on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” host Jesse Watters introduced Ocasio-Cortez’s comments while discussing reports surrounding her personal life.
Watters joked about the congresswoman’s dating prospects before airing footage of her being asked whether she would consider dating a conservative.
Banderas didn’t hold back after watching the exchange.
She essentially turned Ocasio-Cortez’s argument around, suggesting the Democratic congresswoman shouldn’t assume conservative men would be interested in dating her either.
The Fox News personality argued that political incompatibility could work both ways.
It was a sharp response to a question that initially appeared to be little more than a lighthearted conversation about dating.
Banderas Takes Aim at AOC’s Dating Standards
The conversation became even more personal as Banderas discussed Ocasio-Cortez’s future relationships and family plans.
Ocasio-Cortez has previously spoken publicly about freezing her eggs as she balances her personal goals with a demanding political career.
Banderas referenced that decision while questioning whether a conservative man would ever want to marry the prominent progressive Democrat.
Watters quickly reminded her that the original question was merely about dating, not marriage.
Banderas nevertheless argued that marriage and family could eventually become considerations for the congresswoman.
Watters closed the exchange by joking that Ocasio-Cortez’s romantic options were apparently limited to liberals.
AOC Says Politics Comes Down to Values
Although the Fox News segment generated plenty of jokes at Ocasio-Cortez’s expense, her original explanation touched on a larger issue facing Americans.
Political beliefs increasingly extend beyond Election Day.
Issues involving taxes, immigration, abortion, education, religious liberty, gun rights, government spending and the role of Washington can reflect fundamentally different views about American life.
Those disagreements can become particularly important when two people are considering a serious relationship.
Ocasio-Cortez made essentially that argument when explaining why dating a conservative would be difficult for her.
She said political views can be connected to personal values, making compatibility especially important.
Conservatives, of course, could make exactly the same argument.
Someone who places a high priority on limited government, traditional values, individual liberty or other conservative principles may also want a spouse who shares those beliefs.
That was effectively the point behind Banderas’ response.
Political Differences Are Becoming More Personal
The exchange also demonstrates just how deeply America’s political divisions have entered everyday life.
There was a time when Americans with sharply different political views could disagree at the ballot box without necessarily allowing those disagreements to determine their friendships or relationships.
Today, political identity can influence everything from where Americans live to the news they watch — and even whom they’re willing to date.
Ocasio-Cortez is one of the country’s most recognizable progressive politicians, while Fox News has a large audience of conservative and Republican viewers.
That made her comments almost certain to generate a reaction.
And they did.
Fox News Turns AOC’s Answer Around
Ocasio-Cortez was ultimately answering a personal question about what she wants in a relationship.
But once she ruled out conservatives as likely romantic partners, Banderas saw an opening.
Instead of debating whether Ocasio-Cortez would date a conservative, the Fox personality flipped the question entirely: Would conservatives want to date Ocasio-Cortez?
For viewers who disagree with the congresswoman’s progressive politics, Banderas’ response will likely resonate.
Ocasio-Cortez may consider political compatibility important when choosing a partner.
Judging by the reaction on Fox News, plenty of conservatives may feel exactly the same way.