When a car battery dies, most people think of jumper cables—or calling AAA. But for one Capitol Hill staffer, help came from an unexpected source: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The progressive New York congresswoman made headlines on September 11 after lending a hand to a stranded driver near the U.S. Capitol. The motorist in need? Evan Hollander, aide and driver for Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.).
Her chief of staff, Mike Casca, didn’t miss a beat—turning the moment into a social media sensation. He shared a photo of Ocasio-Cortez working under the car’s hood with the caption:
“When your car battery dies on the Capitol plaza, you don’t call AAA—you call @AOC.”
The post exploded online, amassing millions of views and igniting a wave of reactions. Some praised Ocasio-Cortez for her hands-on spirit, while others dismissed it as a carefully crafted PR stunt.
Supporters of the self-described democratic socialist were quick to applaud her unexpected act of kindness.
“AOC gets there faster than AAA,” one X user joked.
“Just when I thought I couldn’t respect her more,” gushed another admirer.
But not everyone was convinced. Some skeptics raised eyebrows, questioning why Hollander—a seasoned Capitol Hill aide—needed help with such a basic fix.
“Not surprised this dork needed a hand,” one critic sneered.
Another chimed in, “What kind of man doesn’t know how to use jumper cables?”
But the teasing didn’t end there.
‘Beta Males’ and a ‘Staged’ Scene?
Beyond poking fun at Hollander’s car troubles, many commenters fixated on the two Capitol Police officers casually standing by while Ocasio-Cortez rolled up her sleeves.
“Just a bunch of men standing around while the woman does the work,” one user observed.
“This picture perfectly sums up DC men—welcome to the beta male starter pack,” another joked.
“Three useless men captured in a single shot,” someone else added.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez peers under the hood of a stranded motorist’s car.
Photo Credit: Mike Casca/X
But the sharpest criticism came from those convinced the whole scene was staged to paint AOC as the hero.
“This is the most obviously set-up thing I’ve ever seen,” one skeptic claimed.
“You have to be completely brain-dead not to know how to jump a car,” another scoffed.
Another Viral Moment for AOC
Whether you view it as a genuine act of kindness or just another savvy publicity stunt, one thing is undeniable—AOC knows how to command the headlines. This latest viral moment only adds to her growing arsenal of social media spectacles that keep her firmly in the spotlight.
