Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district, was participating in a conference call last summer in the Bronx when an enthusiastic English bulldog named Charlie, one of her loyal supporters from Parkchester, spotted her during a walk.
A video shared on Twitter, posted in celebration of #NationalLoveYourPetDay, captures the moment when Charlie, clearly smitten with Ocasio-Cortez, decided to offer his greetings. In a heartwarming scene, the affectionate pup playfully knocked the congresswoman over onto a street grate, prompting laughter from Ocasio-Cortez as Charlie showered her with affectionate licks.
Comedian Simone Norman, who shared the video, humorously interjected with, "Charlie, she's on a call!" on the recording.
Twitter users, as expected, quickly responded with their share of political humor. Some quipped about the influence of "Big Kibble" sending its top lobbyists, while others praised dogs' innate ability to judge character. A few even drew parallels to an incident involving President Trump and a bald eagle during a Time magazine photoshoot.
Ocasio-Cortez took the playful encounter in stride, reposting the video on her Twitter account and affectionately referring to it as a "snuggle ambush."
One can only hope that Charlie, the bulldog, emerged from the encounter unscathed and in good spirits.