Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez has emerged as a strong supporter of President Joe Biden amidst calls for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. In contrast to some Democratic voices calling for Biden to step down, AOC warned of potential legal challenges and chaos that could arise from replacing him so close to the Democratic convention. She emphasized the need to respect the choice of ordinary voters and expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of Biden dropping out.
Progressives like Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders have influenced Biden to embrace several key policy priorities, leading them to support him despite criticisms from within the Democratic Party. There is a fear of a Trump presidency if the ticket changes, and uncertainty about how Vice President Kamala Harris would fare as a replacement. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the influence of wealthy donors and elites in the push to remove Biden from the ticket and emphasized the importance of considering the unique strengths Biden brings in terms of electoral appeal among older voters.
While some Democrats, including former CPC co-chair Rep. Mark Pocan, have called on Biden to withdraw, Ocasio-Cortez’s firm support for the incumbent reflects a broader strategy within the progressive movement to maintain stability and continue advancing policy priorities. Despite differing views within the party, AOC’s stance underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding the discussion of whether Biden should remain in the race.
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