In a recent CNN panel discussion, Kevin O'Leary, known for his role on 'Shark Tank', took center stage as he criticized Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her performance at the Munich Security Conference. O'Leary's comments came after Ocasio-Cortez made a geographical error by claiming Venezuela was 'below the equator' and struggled to respond to questions regarding Taiwan. Her performance, according to critics, including those from her own side, was seen as inadequate, resulting in a storm of reproach from political commentators.

During the segment, O'Leary did not shy away from voicing his opinion, asserting that Ocasio-Cortez's mistakes were not rooted in partisanship but rather in a lack of preparedness. He stated emphatically, 'I'm sorry, it’s not a partisan issue. She was terrible. Get over it!' His remarks ignited heated exchanges among the panelists. NBC's Ana Navarro, podcast host Leigh McGowan, and journalist Cari Champion voiced their disagreement, indicating a rift between liberal perspectives on Ocasio-Cortez's performance.

O'Leary's strong critique has drawn attention not only for its candor but also for the implications it holds regarding Ocasio-Cortez's political standing and effectiveness on an international platform. Following the panel, similar sentiments were echoed in the media, with editorial boards like that of The Washington Post deeming her struggles at Munich as indicative of being 'out of depth'. This incident underlines the scrutiny placed on public figures during international events, especially for those representing progressive views, as it shapes public perception and political capital in the broader context of American politics.