AOC admits ‘Woke 1 was crazy’, distances from defund police

The Story in Brief

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said 'Woke 1 was crazy' on ABC's This Week, distancing herself from defunding the police and other 2020-era left-wing positions. The New York congresswoman argued candidates should be judged on their current views, not past ones. Times Now reports the remark is part of an effort to rebrand democratic socialism toward a populist economic message. Hindustan Times notes the comment comes amid speculation about a 2028 presidential run, with betting markets placing her as a frontrunner. Ocasio-Cortez has not ruled out a Senate or presidential bid but says she is focused on the midterms. The term 'Woke 1' refers to the excesses of the post-George Floyd and #MeToo era, a fellow progressive said. The remark may not convince moderate Democrats and Republicans, Times Now says, as many raised concerns in real time.