Ted Cruz praises Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'good advice' on coronavirus conduct
There are not many issues that those on opposite ends of the political spectrum can agree on, but how Americans should behave during the coronavirus pandemic may be one of them.
On Saturday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a steadfast conservative, shared coronavirus precautions that were tweeted by progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and applauded her “good advice”:
Good advice — not just for NYC, but everywhere.
If you can stay home, stay home.
And wash your hands. https://t.co/WOcTclI7Ki— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 14, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez’s warning was posted as governors in several states shuttered restaurants, bars and movie theaters to encourage social distancing. Los Angeles and New York City followed suit Sunday but allowed restaurants to offer take-out and delivery orders.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) also announced that New York City schools would close on Monday until at least April 20, and possibly for the rest of the year.
Last Friday, Cruz also announced that he will extend his self-quarantine until March 17 after “a second interaction” with an individual who tested positive for coronavirus.
Cruz and Ocasio-Cortez’s words align with advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has recommended that all gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks in a bid to slow community spread of COVID-19.
Although Cruz and Ocasio-Cortez have previously butted heads online, they’ve also publicly aligned on a handful of issues. Bipartisanship in a crisis also allowed the House to pass an economic relief package last week that includes provisions for free coronavirus testing and paid sick leave. The Senate will take up the bill this week.
Twitter commentators noted the significance of the lawmakers’ message in light of their differences:
When you see Brian Schatz retweeting Ted Cruz quote-tweeting AOC in agreement you know these are extraordinary times: pic.twitter.com/rZIfH23p04
— Esther Choo (@choo_ek) March 14, 2020
If Ted Cruz and AOC are both telling you to stay home, PLEASE JUST STAY HOME! https://t.co/yli9KrYc8y
— Michael Tracey (@mtracey) March 14, 2020
Ted Cruz retweeting AOC with positive reinforcement.
Things just got real. https://t.co/i8Sg26FUWx— Karl Bélanger (@KarlBelanger) March 15, 2020
Ted Cruz and AOC are agreeing with each other and teaming up with a great message to help all Americans.
Maybe there is hope for us after all.— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) March 14, 2020
Sign of the end times. Ted Cruz retweeting AOC. https://t.co/IY8x4ttfS6
— Stephen Maher (@stphnmaher) March 15, 2020
We now reached the “Ted Cruz just retweeted AOC and said ‘Good advice’” level of seriousness. https://t.co/XG8sy71ha9
— Jenny Mae (@redheadjennKC) March 15, 2020
Ted Cruz agreeing with AOC. If that doesn't have you taking this seriously I don't know what will pic.twitter.com/bqoJkzZBoW
— supernintendo chalmers (@helmerroids) March 15, 2020
This is where we're at. Ted Cruz is saying AOC is giving good advice. This is how serious this is. https://t.co/nB4YYqZFGl
— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) March 15, 2020
Ted Cruz and AOC agree on something. They both think you should stay home whenever possible.
If you are encouraging people to do the opposite, you are outside of the Cruz to AOC continuum on the political spectrum.
Don't be an extremist. Do the right thing. Stay home. https://t.co/tLuBB56EnB— Matt Lane (@MattLaneWrites) March 14, 2020
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.