New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been ridiculed for urging progressives to 'pull up to the South' while she stood behind bulletproof glass during a voting rights rally in Montgomery, Alabama. The Democrat, widely known as AOC, faced sharp criticism from conservatives after delivering a passionate speech at the All Roads Lead to the South rally on May 16 at the Alabama State Capitol.
Protected Behind Glass
While on stage, AOC was enclosed by clear bulletproof glass as she called on 'the North' to travel to red states to fight for Democrats and black leaders following the Supreme Court's decision to limit the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The court had recently granted Louisiana Republicans the authority to redraw the congressional map, dismantling a majority-black district ahead of the November midterms. Approximately 15 other states are involved in similar redistricting processes.
AOC's Rallying Cry
'I am here today because I want to make sure that we all understand that Montgomery is not alone, that you all are not alone,' AOC told the cheering crowd. 'And for all of you watching today, when they ask what do you do in this moment? I feel helpless. What action can I take? It is time for the north to pull up to the south! It is time for New York to pull up to Alabama.' She continued, 'It is time for all of us to come to Georgia, to Louisiana, to Tennessee, to Mississippi, and let them know exactly what they have uncorked with this injustice.'
Conservative Backlash
While the audience appeared thrilled, many conservatives mocked her for urging people to 'pull up' while standing behind protective glass. Todd Spears, a conservative content creator and co-host of the Dear America Podcast, shared a clip of her speech to his nearly 30,000 TikTok followers, criticizing her for being behind 'Pope glass.'
'[Pull up] and do what? Help us get the boat off the trailer, like cut the grass, track a deer in the woods?' Spears said. 'Roll up and do what exactly? Because you're standing behind, like, Pope glass in your hometown. You come down here starting that sh**, you better bring a tank. That's not a good idea. You stay where you're at.'
Spears captioned his post: 'AOC talking about the North “rolling up” on the South and Alabama like this is still the 1860s is wild. Maybe politicians should spend less time trying to divide Americans and more time fixing the mess we already have. Because when people keep pushing division, nobody wins.'
Online Reactions
The post garnered over one million views and more than 6,000 comments, with many users siding with Spears. One commenter wrote, 'Why you behind the glass tho,' while another asked, 'And what is she calling for exactly.' A third user stated, 'The libs are giving the illusion that they are the ones in danger when they are the ones pulling trigs.' Someone else quipped, 'I like the plexiglass prop. It's cute.'
Several users from 'the North' declined AOC's invitation. One wrote, 'On behalf of the people of New Jersey, we would like to decline this request.' Another said, 'As someone who just moved to Alabama from the north, I don’t recommend this.'
Cory Booker Also Spoke
US Senator Cory Booker also addressed the rally in Alabama. 'This is one of those moments where we understand that our blessings come with obligation. There is no liberation without obligation,' the liberal leader said. 'Because if we, in our generation, do not now do our duty, we will lose the gains and the rights and the liberties that our ancestors afforded us.'
