Since being elected to Congress in 2018, the "squad," a group of four Democratic women of color, has been a consistent target of conservative media due to their unabashedly progressive politics.
After Donald Trump's infamous insistence that the four American women—all of whom are citizens—"go back" to the countries they came from, it's been hard to deny racism and sexism also play roles in the right's hatred for the squad.
Now, as we approach the 2020 elections, Fox News has decided to roll out their own "conservative squad."
If you look carefully, you might just be able to catch how they're a little different from the original.
This is embarrassing. Please get help. https://t.co/hj3dJwtJBN— Justice Democrats (@Justice Democrats) 1576161106.0
The "Conservative Squad" is made up of four White women running for Congress this election season: Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota, Jessica Taylor of Alabama, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Beth Van Duyne of Texas.
Ilham Omar brushed off the attack on Twitter.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery 💁🏽♀️ https://t.co/heigkyBmUq— Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan Omar) 1576171995.0
It was impossible for people online to ignore the conservative squad's lack of diversity.
Well, one might have light brown instead of dark blond hair so... diversity!
Glad to see that the Conservative Squad has a brunette member instead of being four blondes. Diversity! https://t.co/zPcWlmwXCP— Adam Best (@Adam Best) 1576196151.0
The rhinestone American flag pin, the pearls, the general whiteness, the brunette diversity hire... The "conservat… https://t.co/IirVlEVPAw— Emma Vigeland (@Emma Vigeland) 1576164472.0
To many there's an obvious racism in trying to create a "replacement" squad...using only blondish White women this time.
Twitter threw some pretty immediate shade at the new Squad.
@Bethvanduyne This has got to be one of the dumbest ideas in politics this year.— Nope (@Nope) 1576168634.0
Another important fact is that the Squad is a group of friends who enjoy working together, while the Conservative Squad is a publicity stunt between people who have never met prior to this.
@IlhanMN Stop trying to make the "Conservative Squad" a thing https://t.co/o5FqnJATrC— Caitlyn (@Caitlyn) 1576174123.0
Conservatives wish they could have a Squad too.
@justicedems “Conservative Squad” 😂🤣😂 https://t.co/dkDDgcbSNt— KillingShane (@KillingShane) 1576161547.0
At the end of the day, Ilhan Omar probably had the best response.
Sometimes, when people are trying to hold you back, it just means you're moving in the right direction.