AOC vs. Omar: Democrats' COVID Vaccine Differences Exposed
KEY POINTS
- A small number of vocal lawmakers are saying their colleagues are wrong to take COVID-19 vaccinations
- Among them are Ilhan Omar and Rand Paul, saying politicians are not frontline workers
- Most congresspeople are taking them, including AOC, who says it's necessary to combat disinformation
Congressmen moving to the front of the line for COVID-19 vaccinations has exposed a rift between Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., two members of “The Squad” typically in lockstep.
Ocasio-Cortez used the opportunity to take her vaccine publicly, assuaging fears over its safety and educating viewers on the mechanisms behind its protection. Omar, however, lambasted the policy of putting politicians ahead of frontline workers.
It would makes sense if it was age, but unfortunately it’s of importance and its shameful.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 20, 2020
We are not more important then frontline workers, teachers etc. who are making sacrifices everyday.
Which is why I won’t take it.
People who need it most, should get it.
Full stop. https://t.co/JQgMftm5wX
If you have any questions or unease about the COVID vaccine, I got you!
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 19, 2020
I’d *never* ask you to do something I wasn’t willing to do myself.
Yday per national security policy (PPD40), Congress began getting vaccinated.
I took the jab & am here to answer your questions. Ask away! pic.twitter.com/ZyBgXi7kRl
Omar was among a small but vocal group of representatives on both the right and left that argued against elected officials getting priority access to vaccines. Some had already been infected and recovered, meaning their bodies already produce antibodies. Others were younger and at less risk than their senior colleagues.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky attacked Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter. She responded by saying she wouldn’t have to prove the vaccine was safe if conservatives like Paul hadn’t politicized basic health measures in the first place.
Our job is to make sure the vaccine isn’t politicized the way masks were politicized.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 21, 2020
If you actually listened to your constituents, you’d hear a LOT about viral claims about repro health.Ppl have ?s
Leaders shld show we won’t ask others to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves
Other politicians receiving the vaccine offered more practical explanations: the age of most representatives and their high amount of travel put them in a high-risk group. Ensuring the continuation of government is a high enough priority to warrant vaccination. After representatives, other government employees necessary for the ongoing function of the federal government will receive doses.
“I really want to make sure we’re setting the right example. That we’re doing everything we can to encourage people to get the vaccine. First, for their health, and second, for the herd immunity of the country,” Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., told The Hill. “Look, this is what responsible adults do. They get the vaccine when they can.”
While the minority that objected agreed messaging was important, they felt vaccines for politicians sent the wrong message.
“I’m not saying that I have any type of aversion to it. It’s just a personal stance that if you’re a leader, you eat last,” Rep. Biran Mast, R-Fla., told The Hill. “Symbols matter in life.”
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