AOC vs. Boebert – They both bring political heat. However, which of them actually deserves to be attacked politically?
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Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Lauren Boebert represent different poles of the US political spectrum. But the two junior congresswomen are similar in that they are both lightning rods of criticism.
Each conduits criticism from the opposition – as personifications of what their respective political oppositions view as their respective parties’ primary problems. And each conduits criticism from the mainstream representatives of their respective party for being extreme, for degrading the electability of the party at large.
Let’s compare AOC and Boebert and consider which is more worthy of the criticism faced.
Meet AOC
I have expended a fair amount of ink criticizing AOC. One complaint, AOC promised advocacy for several progressive-minded reforms, like Medicare for all; fully funded public schools and universities, a universal jobs guarantee, criminal justice system reform, immigration reform, campaign-finance reform, an “Economy of Peace,” and paid family and sick leave.
AOC even denounced identity politics as a trojan horse to court minority voters.
AOC was making sense and sounded serious.
But her time in office – starting immediately, with her support of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House – shows that AOC is just a mainstream upholder of the status quo.
Regardless, AOC generates a lot of criticism – because she has marketed herself as an uber-progressive, which of course irritates everyone from MAGA to moderates to Democrats.
The reputation is particularly well earned, however. AOC is more of a social media influencer, more of a trendy celebrity than a serious legislator.
And that prominence, AOC’s super high-profile-ness, makes her a target for increased criticism.
Meet Lauren Boebert
For many, Lauren Boebert represents what is wrong with the right. Let’s take a look at some of Boebert’s political positions.
Boebert supports the elimination of the US Department of Education, for starters; Boebert is opposed to red flag laws (which permit the police to remove a firearm from someone judged dangerous to themselves or others; she believes the government should be excluded from regulating the energy market; she opposes gay marriage; she opposes the separation of church and state.
More concerning perhaps, Boebert has embraced the QAnon conspiracy theory. Once, during a town hall in Colorado, Boebert asked the audience when Hillary Clinton would be arrested (a common objective of QAnon supporters).
Boebert has also been criticized for her comments regarding religion. In 2021, Boebert referred to Representative Ilhan Omar as part of the “Jihad Squad” and a “full-time propagandist for Hamas” and an “honorary member of Hamas.”
Boebert has also supported Trump’s claim that the 2020 election was stolen; Bobert voted to overturn the Electoral College vote count.
In all, Boebert represents a lot of what the left and center despise about the far-right.
Who is worse?
Assessing who is worse, AOC or Boebert, depends on what constitutes being “worse.”
Boebert appears more genuine than AOC – I suppose that’s a check in Boebert’s column.
But as far as governing or endorsing sound policies or stringing two consecutive sentences together, AOC wins out.
I’ve been fairly critical of AOC for awhile now, and I expect to continue being critical of AOC in the future – but if you’re making me choose between AOC and Boebert, it’s no contest. AOC is going to win out every time.
Boebert is, quite simply, not fit for public office. Now, I can appreciate that who represents the 3rd District of Colorado is not up to me and I may not have the tightest bead on the needs of the District (I live elsewhere).
But Boebert does participate in a legislative body that governs me and my country and I am of the opinion she has no business governing me or anyone I know in any capacity.
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Harrison Kass is the Senior Editor at 19FortyFive. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison lives in Oregon and listens to Dokken.
