Who is Ted Yoho and what did he say to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
The Republican and Democrat had a heated exchange on the steps of the Capitol on Monday, but despite an apology, there battle of words has not been resolved.
On Monday, Florida Republican Ted Yoho got into an argument with New York’s Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Based on a story in The Hill, Yoho walked away from the exchange saying “fucking bitch!”
Yoho apologises to AOC for ‘abrupt manner’
As per the report in The Hill, a reporter had overheard the conversation over New York’s unemployment and crime policies, which started when Yoho approached Ocasio-Cortez on the steps of the House. He was said to have described her as ‘disgusting’ and told her she was out of her mind.
The Democrat tweeted later: "I never spoke to Rep. Yoho before he decided to accost me on the steps of the nation's Capitol yesterday. Believe it or not, I usually get along fine w/ my GOP colleagues. We know how to check our legislative sparring at the committee door. But hey, 'b*tches' get stuff done."
On Tuesday, a statement made to CNN from Yoho’s office denied that he had made that comment and instead said he "made a brief comment to himself as he walked away summarizing what he believes her policies to be: bullshit.
"He did not call Rep. Ocasio-Cortez what has been reported in The Hill or any name for that matter,” the statement continued. “It sounds better for The Hill newspaper and gets more media attention to say he called her a name - which he did not do. It is unfortunate that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is using this exchange to gain personal attention.”
Ocasio-Cortez not accepting Yoho apology
In the House floor on Wednesday morning, Yoho apologised directly to his political opponent, at least for the “abrupt manner of the conversation” although continuing to deny the abusive comment. He also said "is true that we disagree on policies and visions for America, but that does not mean we should be disrespectful."
Ocasio-Cortez, however, wasn’t impressed with Yoho’s apology: ”I will not teach my nieces and young people watching that this an apology, and what they should learn to accept. Yoho is refusing responsibility."