A group of House Democrats sparked widespread mockery after posting a TikTok video parodying the “choose your fighter” video game trope, with critics across the political spectrum calling it “cringe” and politically tone-deaf. The video featured Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Susie Lee (D-NV) posing as combat-ready characters with descriptions of their congressional achievements and personal quirks.
Created by influencer Jessica Woo (@sulheejessica), the video showed lawmakers jumping into frame with text overlays highlighting attributes like:
– AOC being the “youngest woman/Latina elected to Congress” and a “Trekkie”
– Crockett’s designation as “not a morning person”
– Underwood’s hatred of balloons
– Lee’s “2 sprained fingers” listed as a skill
The video drew immediate ridicule:
– The White House’s rapid response account tweeted: “Democrats Not Be Cringe Challenge. Level: Impossible”
– Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) contrasted it with Democrats refusing to applaud for a cancer-stricken child during President Trump’s congressional address
– Fox News contributor Joe Concha called it evidence Democrats are “attempting to self-destruct”
– Commentator Ryan James Girdusky noted: “Some individuals clearly lack anyone in their lives to tell them to stop”
Even CNN hosts criticized the stunt:
– Anchor Abby Phillip questioned its purpose: “There are significant issues occurring…this seems to invite mockery”
– GOP strategist Scott Jennings told Democratic Rep. Marilyn Strickland during a panel: “This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever witnessed…Your party currently holds a 21% approval rating”
Ben Shapiro and other conservatives argued the video exemplified Democrats’ disconnect from mainstream voters. Pollster warnings cited in Fox News reports suggested such “amateurish antics” risk alienating voters already skeptical of Democratic opposition tactics. Former Trump advisor Tim Murtaugh encapsulated the criticism: “My God, who is advising the Democrats?”
