For once, conservatives should give Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez some credit. The New York socialist has actually responded to the coronavirus crisis fairly well, and she has used her massive platform responsibly.

Of course, Ocasio-Cortez is in many ways the manifestation of rising illiberalism, socialism, and intolerance on the American Left, and members of the conservative media, such as myself, are well-warranted in our regular criticisms of the congresswoman. Whether it’s covering Ocasio-Cortez’s massive gaffes and flubs or her wild, radical proposals , it’s our job to point out the many flaws in her public persona. But during a time of crisis, we have a responsibility to recognize politicians of any stripe who serve the people well.

With perhaps one notable exception in which she pushed a misleading narrative on Twitter to promote student loan cancellation, Ocasio-Cortez has done that.

In the face of many millennials flouting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation to avoid bars, restaurants, and public places — even partying in the streets in some places — Ocasio-Cortez chastised young people, many of whom normally agree with her and look to her for political leadership, to do better:

This is utterly irresponsible. If you imagine you're young and not going to get too sick, think about watching your grandmother die because we don't have a ventilator her for her. Do the right thing #socialdistancing https://t.co/wxwUw88JsC — Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD (@ScottVernaglia) March 15, 2020

What does “crowded” mean?



If you can’t stay 6ft away from other people, it’s too close. In general, when going outside try to stay at least 6 feet away from others as much as you possibly can. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 14, 2020

Even Sen. Ted Cruz recognized the congresswoman’s positive contribution. She has retweeted reputable advisories so people know the latest disease prevention policies:

Our NY14 tele-town hall is starting NOW with experts from:

✅ NYC Dept of Health

✅ NYC Dept of Ed

✅ US & NYC Census Bureau.



You can follow along with the FB livestream: https://t.co/B0AGTA9hwd — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 14, 2020

And while Ocasio-Cortez has no doubt still used the coronavirus crisis to promote leftist policy responses, she even shouted out the Trump administration when she thought it was taking the right steps. So, too, the congresswoman broke with her usual practice of boycotting Fox News (an absolutely awful practice for any politician to have) in the spirit of a bipartisan response to the coronavirus and appeared on the conservative-leaning network to spread information to its large audience.

Additionally, all politics aside, Ocasio-Cortez has called on people to help each other and help their neighbors:

I’ve been discussing policy responses for Coronavirus, but there is plenty we can also do to care for each other, NYC!



- Check on your neighbors (can be through the door)

- Offer to run errands for the elderly

- Tip (a lot) extra if you can

- Donate to food pantries,shelters,etc — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 13, 2020

While there’s no doubt that the congresswoman has remained a political and ideological figure throughout this crisis response, it does appear that she has made a good-faith effort to encourage public health, spread the word about best practices, and present an at least somewhat unified front. She deserves some credit for that, because unfortunately, not everyone is willing to go that far.