An intense clash between Reps Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), and Jasmine Crockett during a House hearing went viral last week. Reactions ranged from amusement, offense, shock, and disbelief. Political affiliation largely determined which representative voters sided with. However, a general bipartisan response contained disapproval of what most saw as a juvenile exchange and breakdown of decorum.

This video lays out what happened in tonight’s heated exchange in the oversight hearing pic.twitter.com/7QTmpsa1eA

— Acyn (@Acyn) May 17, 2024

Responses to MTG

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's conservative base often views her as a fiery defender of their values and a fierce critic of leftist agendas. Following her exchange with Reps Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett, many expressed a strong loyalty to outspoken conservatives like MTG, affirming their view that Crockett’s intelligence as lacking. Supporters appreciate MTG's combative style and see her as a necessary disruptor in a political landscape they believe is dominated by liberal voices.

Conservatives and anti-establishment Republicans often harbor deep distrust and resentment towards the political establishment. Therefore, they often applaud the aggressive tactics of politicians like MTG. They see her willingness to confront other lawmakers head-on as a sign of her commitment to shaking up the status quo. However, this support is not without its criticisms, as some feel that her actions sometimes cross the line into unproductive theatrics.

Liberals and progressives mostly vehemently oppose MTG's behavior, labeling it as immature and a waste of taxpayer dollars. These critics focus on her lack of legislative accomplishments and her tendency to engage in what they see as performative and divisive rhetoric. Some suggest MTG is an embarrassment to the country, emphasizing her perceived failures and lack of decorum.

Voter Views of AOC

AOC's progressive supporters see her as a champion of social justice and economic equality. They appreciate her willingness to confront figures like MTG and praise her as a necessary counterbalance to conservative voices. AOC's support of progressive policies and aggressive challenge to conservative rhetoric resonates deeply with her base. This group often sees her as a leader in the fight for a more equitable society.

Moderate and conservative voters are more likely to characterize AOC's actions as overly confrontational and desperate for attention. Critics see her exchange with MTG as contributing to the overall dysfunction and lack of decorum in Congress. They argue such behavior detracts from meaningful legislative work and exacerbates partisan divides.

Some who identify as MAGA supporters feel their views are unfairly marginalized or misrepresented while those of AOC and Crockett are praise. They accuse politicians like AOC of hypocrisy and ignorance of real issues facing Americans.

• All three congresswomen generated online discussion with mentions of their name increasing after their House hearing row.
• MTG gained the most commentary with a peak of 5,915 mentions.
• Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett both took a slight hit to their approval after the argument while MTG gained a slight bump.

Perceived Unintelligence of Congress Members

Most Americans express a level of disillusionment with the competence and intelligence of the country’s Congress members. This is a bipartisan sentiment that gets applied largely to politicians on the opposite side of the aisle.

Liberals and Democrats are more likely to admire AOC and Crockett, viewing them as intelligent, professional, and highly qualified. Conservatives and right leaning voters often criticize the intelligence of both AOC and Crockett, defending the rhetorical skills and superior arguments of figures like MTG.

The criticism of unruly behavior and unintelligent conversation towards Congress members is not exclusive to voters. Senator John Fetterman — who himself has faced criticism about intelligence — took to social media to compare the women’s exchange to the Jerry Springer show.

In the past, I’ve described the U.S. House as The Jerry Springer Show.

Today, I’m apologizing to The Jerry Springer Show. pic.twitter.com/y6wxLX5FIV

— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) May 17, 2024

Many online found Fetterman’s tweet and response by AOC on X as highly amusing, regardless of who they agree with politically. However, there was also a vocal response by those who criticize Fetterman’s commentary on decorum while himself being notorious for wearing sweatshirts and shorts on the Senate floor.

Conservatives view Fetterman's tweet as an opportunity to criticize perceived double standards and the influence of identity politics within the Democratic Party. Progressives see it as a candid reflection of political dysfunction and degradation of norms. Independents and libertarians likely view the analogy as a confirmation of their cynicism towards the political establishment.

There seems to be an irony or dissonance for many Americans who recognize the embarrassing behavior on both sides of the aisle — yet many cannot help feeling amused.