AOC’s woke-era defense risks eroding political accountability

A CNN opinion piece argues AOC’s line that her past woke comments were a different era—therefore not reflective of today—is a flawed justification that undermines honesty and accountability in politics. The piece says this trend of explaining away old statements as 'peak woke' or 'seriously, not literal' politics is spreading across both parties, citing examples like Chi Ossé, Francesca Hong, and Chris Christie, and warns it risks eroding voters’ trust; the healthier approach, it argues, is for leaders to take and defend consistent positions over time.