Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Criticized For Comparing Ben Shapiro’s Debate Challenge to ‘Catcalling’

Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing criticism over how she rejected Ben Shapiro‘s challenge for the two of them to debate.

Yesterday, the conservative commentator expressed his eagerness to sit-down with the progressive House candidate and was willing to make a $10,000 contribution to her campaign or raise money for charity.

And after a delayed response, Ocasio-Cortez declined the offer.

Just like catcalling, I don’t owe a response to unsolicited requests from men with bad intentions.

And also like catcalling, for some reason they feel entitled to one. pic.twitter.com/rsD17Oq9qe

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) August 10, 2018

Just like catcalling, I don’t owe a response to unsolicited requests from men with bad intentions,” she tweeted. “And also like catcalling, for some reason they feel entitled to one.”

Conservative Twitter blasted the Ocasio-Cortez, not necessarily for rejecting Shapiro’s offer to a debate but for comparing the offer to “catcalling.”

A baseless, explicitly motive-impugning accusation of sexism to avoid a debate. Unsurprising but still so weak. https://t.co/x1Duptdpc3

— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) August 10, 2018

This is your brain on identity politics. By challenging her to debate, @benshapiro was actually treating her as an equal. She knows she’d lose, and she needs to posture for her SJW fans, so she declares herself a victim of “catcalling.” Totally demented. https://t.co/o8viIeBAV4

— Noah Pollak (@NoahPollak) August 10, 2018

Okay fine @Ocasio2018, if you won’t debate @benshapiro because he’s a man (and because he would destroy you intellectually) how about a debate with me? https://t.co/y4m2mkLbVt

— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) August 10, 2018

You’re making a mockery of real victims of sexual harassment and you should delete this and apologize to them. https://t.co/vHtsiA1c78

— Jeremiah Stephan Dunleavy IV (@JerryDunleavy) August 10, 2018

If a man asking @Ocasio2018 to debate is catcalling, what was it when I asked? (And other women that I’m sure have also asked.) I would LOVE to discuss her claim that Jesus was a socialist. Or is that mean?

— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) August 10, 2018

And once again a so-called “progressive” has given more ammo to the false stereotype that women are weak and fragile https://t.co/xIu6kDqKDj

— Amber Athey (@amber_athey) August 10, 2018

You kinda just responded, though. https://t.co/vorQNMVE6R

— Eric Shaffer (@realEricShaffer) August 10, 2018

Huh? I've heard a lot of things about @benshapiro. But I am pretty sure he's never been accused of "catcalling" in his entire life.

Come on @Ocasio2018. You can give a better answer than a cheap shot Ben is being sexist for requesting a debate. https://t.co/9kH7PDaq7V

— Jessie Jane Duff (@JessieJaneDuff) August 10, 2018

Shapiro himself had a sharp rebuke.

Discussion and debate are not “bad intentions.” Slandering someone as a sexist catcaller without reason or evidence does demonstrate cowardice and bad intent, however. https://t.co/kYaYuf0W43

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) August 10, 2018

But sure, go with “the Orthodox Jew who has never catcalled a woman in his life is ACKSHUALLY a sexist catcaller for asking for a discussion or debate.” I’m sure your media sycophants will eat it up.

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) August 10, 2018

[image via screengrab]