Ocasio-Cortez Makes Final Decision On Endorsing Biden

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York stood firmly behind President Biden on Monday, reinforcing her endorsement amidst growing calls within the Democratic Party for Biden to withdraw as the nominee for the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking to reporters outside the Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized her recent conversations with Biden, underscoring his commitment to staying in the race. “I have spoken to the president over the weekend. I have spoken with him extensively,” she stated. “He made clear then — and he has made clear since — that he is in this race.”

Asserting her support unequivocally, Ocasio-Cortez declared, “The matter is closed. He had reiterated that this morning. He has reiterated that to the public. Joe Biden is our nominee. He is not leaving this race. He is in this race, and I support him.”

Her statements come amid a period of internal debate within the Democratic Party following concerns sparked by Biden’s recent debate performance and questions about his ability to effectively challenge former President Trump in November.

While a handful of House Democrats have publicly called for Biden’s withdrawal, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted that others within the party, particularly leaders in groups like the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have reinforced their backing of Biden.

Despite the mounting pressure, Biden has remained resolute, dismissing calls for him to step aside as the sentiments of party elites rather than reflecting broader support from voters. In a defiant stance, Biden challenged his critics in an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” expressing frustration with what he termed as the party establishment’s dismissive attitude towards his candidacy.

Ocasio-Cortez drew a sharp contrast between Biden and Trump, pointing out that despite Trump’s recent legal troubles, no significant opposition from within the Republican Party has emerged against him as their presumptive nominee.

Regarding the path forward, Ocasio-Cortez stressed the importance for the Biden campaign to articulate clear policy plans addressing critical issues such as Medicare, Social Security, housing relief, and student loans. “If we can do that and continue our work on student loans, secure a cease-fire, and bring those dollars back into investing in public policy, then that’s how we win in November,” she affirmed. “That’s what I’m committed to, and that’s what I want to make sure that we secure.”

In conclusion, Ocasio-Cortez’s unwavering support for Biden underscores her alignment with his candidacy despite internal party discord, signaling her focus on advancing key policy priorities to secure electoral success in the upcoming presidential race.