‘Patriarchy is taking a beating tonight:’ The Squad accuse Mike Pence of misogyny in VP debate

Progressive Dems criticise vice president’s performance

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Ilhan Omar accused Mike Pence of misogyny during Wednesday’s first and only vice presidential debate.

The members of the ‘Squad’ — a group of progressive Democrats elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 — highlighted the current vice president’s behaviour towards Kamala Harris, who in August became the first Black and South Asian woman to accept a major party's vice presidential nomination.

“Pence demanding that Harris answer *his* own personal questions when he won’t even answer the moderator’s is gross, and exemplary of the gender dynamics so many women have to deal with at work,” said congresswoman Ocasio Cortez.

Congresswoman Omar, who has been the frequent target of racist attacks from president Donald Trump at his rallies, shared a quote from Ms Harris: “I will not sit here and be lectured,” and added her own words: “Patriarchy/misogyny is taking a beating tonight.”

Ms Omar also responded to a claim by Mr Pence that Democrats were targeting Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett for her Catholic faith.

“The President ran on banning people from the country based solely on their Muslim faith. This man has no right to lecture anyone about respecting people’s faith. PS not all people of faith believe the government should make decisions over what women do with their bodies,” Ms Omar said.  

Mr Pence also came under fire from another Squad member, Massachusetts congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, for referring to Ms Cortez by her nickname, “AOC”.

“Pence you are obsessed. She's a prolific legislator, a historymaker, a movement leader, I get it. But stop being so familiar. Titles matter & she's earned hers. It’s CONGRESSWOMAN Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, AUTHOR of the Green New Deal,” Ms Pressley said.

“If you can't keep the name of another legislator out of your mouth while the Senator schools you, then put some respect on it,” she added.