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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.

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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

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