Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana delivered a sharp critique of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during recent remarks, comparing the New York congresswoman to Vice President Kamala Harris and questioning her policy credentials while outlining what he described as a Republican strategy for handling her public statements.

Kennedy began by drawing a comparison between Ocasio-Cortez and Harris, framing it as a commentary on experience and policy depth.

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“The Congresswoman is kind of like vice president Kamala Harris, but with more bartending experience, she has never, she has never been accused of being a policy Maven,” Kennedy said.

He went on to suggest that Ocasio-Cortez would struggle in a national Democratic primary contest against more seasoned figures in her party.

“You put her in a presidential primary with Elizabeth Warren or Rahm Emanuel, they will devour her like a light snack,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy then relayed a joke he said someone had shared with him, referencing a recent comment by Ocasio-Cortez.

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“I probably shouldn’t say this, but she can, she can get me back. Somebody told me a joke today, they said, Congresswoman Ocasio Cortez announced today categorically that she is not a moron, and she went on to say she hasn’t even been to Utah, much less embrace their religion. Now she can get me back,” Kennedy said.

Despite the pointed remarks, Kennedy clarified that his criticism was not personal.

“I don’t. I don’t dislike the congresswoman, but our plan for dealing with her, as I’ve said before, has always been operation let her speak. And so far, it’s working,” Kennedy said.

He concluded his comments with a parting message directed at Ocasio-Cortez.

“And my my message to to my friend the congresswoman, is, you go girl, you just keep it up,” Kennedy said.

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Kennedy’s remarks reflect a broader pattern of rhetorical sparring between Republican lawmakers and progressive members of Congress, particularly Ocasio-Cortez, who has emerged as one of the most prominent voices on the left.

The Louisiana senator has frequently used humor and pointed commentary in public appearances and interviews, often targeting Democratic lawmakers and their policy positions.

Ocasio-Cortez, who represents New York’s 14th Congressional District, has been a central figure in progressive policy debates on issues ranging from climate change to economic reform.

Kennedy’s comments focused less on specific legislation and more on her public persona and political positioning within the Democratic Party.

The reference to a potential presidential primary matchup with figures such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appeared aimed at contrasting Ocasio-Cortez’s national profile with Democrats viewed as having longer resumes in federal or executive leadership roles.

Kennedy’s description of the Republican approach — “operation let her speak” — has been a line he has used previously when discussing how his party responds to high-profile progressive lawmakers.

In his remarks, he suggested that allowing Ocasio-Cortez to continue making public statements benefits Republicans politically.

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