Image by Wikimedia

When Democratic House candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was challenged to a debate — for $10,000 toward her campaign — by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro on Wednesday, she tweeted Thursday that she it was an example of “catcalling.”

Shapiro clapped back, arguing that she’s accusing that “the Orthodox Jew … is ACKSHUALLY a sexist catcaller for asking for a discussion or debate.”

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

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

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

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) 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

The offer was presented on “The Ben Shapiro Show,” after he brought up how Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez called Ocasio-Cortez “the future of the party,” the Hill reported. Shapiro said he would “love to have a real conversation” and suggested a one hour debate to discuss “all the topics under the sun.”

He also offered to donate the money to charity instead of the campaign.

Ocasio-Cortez, a democratic socialist, won a historic upset victory against 10-term Democratic Rep. Joseph Crowley in the Democratic primary for New York’s 14th Congressional District in June.

Ocasio-Cortez didn’t comment directly on the debate offer; rather, she tweeted Thursday evening in response to a post over her refusal to engage. She said she doesn’t “owe a response to unsolicited requests from men with bad intentions.”

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount