The Political Insider

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) had to be consoled as it appears she was crying after voting ‘present’ on a measure to provide $1 billion in funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.

Progressives – most notably the Squad – had voiced opposition to the funding and successfully had it removed from a government funding bill just days ago.

But Democrats thwarted the effort by reintroducing the funding bill as standalone legislation and it passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 420 to 9.

Among those voting ‘no’ were fellow Squad members Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA).

AOC, however, initially voted ‘no’ but at the last moment switched her vote to ‘present.’

Then, she apparently broke down.

RELATED: Study Names AOC As One Of The Least Effective Members Of Congress

AOC Mocked For Crying

Video on C-SPAN shows AOC being comforted by a fellow Democrat and repeatedly wiping her face as if she were crying.

It’s unclear if she was emotionally distraught over the funding vote for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system designed to thwart missile attacks from terrorist groups, if she’s embarrassed by the massive defeat for her caucus, or if her Roku wasn’t able to stream that morning’s episode of Paw Patrol.

We may never know.

AOC’s tears weren’t universally met with consoling words. Many people were skeptical.

But then, when you refer to illegal immigrant processing centers as ‘concentration camps’ but oppose funding to prevent Jews from being the victim of rocket attacks, it’s hard to take pity.

Meghan McCain, former co-host of The View, ripped Ocasio-Cortez for engaging in “bad theater.”

Yes, you’re going to be accused of theatrics and crying wolf when you’ve spent the past year saying an unruly riot on Capitol Hill almost resulted in your murder or sexual assault.

You can’t live your life in a perpetually hyperbolic state and expect people to be shocked when it happens again.

People aren’t buying the crocodile tears.

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Voting Present

Some have speculated that the ‘present’ vote itself is what led to AOC’s crying.

Not being able to have the courage of your convictions enough to cast an anti-Israel vote in a district with a significant Jewish population perhaps?

Concerned about what her fellow Squadmates will think of her deferring on an issue clearly important to their cause?

Regardless, Ocasio-Cortez has a few thoughts on lawmakers who vote ‘present.’

In 2019, the New York socialist slammed then-Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat, for voting ‘present’ on articles of impeachment for President Donald Trump.

“Today was very consequential, and to not take a stand one way or another, on a day of such great consequence to this country, I think is quite difficult,” AOC said following the votes.

“We are sent here to lead.”

“Whenever we have a vote, we should vote ‘yes’ and we should vote ‘no,’” Ocasio-Cortez said at the time. “Voting ‘present’ is a very tough position to be in.”

So tough it makes you want to cry?

Earlier this month, AOC mocked former Alaska governor Sarah Palin for criticizing her as a “fake feminist” by pretending to set up a hotline to call – 1-800-CRY-NOW.

The ‘Yass Queen’ crowd was delighted, but for those of us still residing on planet Earth, her video showed a level of immaturity you wouldn’t hope to see in a pre-teen student, let alone a sitting congresswoman.

“Does my existence make you mad? Does the fact that yes, I am a mouthpiece for the people of New York’s 14th Congressional District, upset you?” Ocasio-Cortez said in the video.

“Well I have help for you. Call 1-800-CRY-NOW. That’s 1-800-CRY-NOW.”

Does Israel’s existence make you mad, AOC? I know a number you can call.