MSNBC on Monday defended one (young and new) liberal against the attacks of a veteran (and older) liberal. Over the weekend, West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin took a not-so-subtle shot at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saying, “young people” “need to stop acting like young people. Okay? It's time to do that.”
He added, “There's a great opportunity here, now more than ever, for Democrats to be the non-stupid party.” MSNBC Live host Hallie Jackson played the clip and huffed, “So, youngs can’t young?”
Democratic strategist and guest Jim Messina was furious at the criticism of Ocasio-Cortez: “What a condescending jerk. Are you kidding me?”
He added, “Don't pat us on the head and say ‘Thanks for your votes and thanks for young people for changing the world.’” Us? Messina turns 50 this year.
Time.com also highlighted Ocasio-Cortez’s displeasure with the creator of West Wing, The American President and other dramas.
A partial transcript is below:
MSNBC Live
1/21/19HALLIE JACKSON: Before we get to break, I want to talk about one thick that was interesting over the weekend. Since we have a mixed generational table, I think it is fair to say, we thought we thought we'd talk about Aaron Sorkin coming out. You heard what he said? This idea of when he looks at the Democratic Party about this presidential field, what he wants that to look like. Here's what he said.
AARON SORKIN: I really like the new crop of young people who were just elected to Congress. They now need to stop acting like young people. Okay? It's time to do that. I think there's a great opportunity here, now more than ever, for Democrats to be the non-stupid party.
JACKSON: So, youngs can’t young?
MARK MESSINA: What a condescending jerk. Are you kidding me? Don't pat us on the head and say “Thanks for your votes and thanks for young people for changing the world.”
JACKSON: Also don't call young people young people. You never sound older than when you say young people.
MESSINA: You sound like a grandpa. It’s ridiculous. Go away and make a new show. Go away.
JACKSON: AOC fired back at him. She was like, “Listen, Medicare for all and equal rights aren’t trends,” basically. If we don't show up for people, why should you feel entitled for their vote?” I mean, this is part of the dynamic heading into 2020.
MESSINA: Absolutely, it's the fight in the Democratic Party. She's right. We need to stand for things. And he should just go design a new show.
JACKSON: We have to leave it there. You've been killing it the last word in these segments.
