Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a member of the progressive “Squad,” has unequivocally endorsed President Joe Biden’s bid for re-election in 2024.
Amidst growing concerns among some Democratic lawmakers about the president’s age and ability to take on former President Donald Trump, Ocasio-Cortez has firmly stated that “the matter is closed” and that she “supports him” wholeheartedly.
Speaking to reporters outside the Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez made it clear that she has had extensive conversations with the president and that he has “reiterated” his commitment to running for a second term.
Read: New York Rep. AOC Vows She’s Coming For The Supreme Court With Impeachment Articles
The New York congresswoman emphasized that Biden’s decision is final, stating, “He is not leaving this race. He is in this race and I support him.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks come amid growing concerns among some Democratic lawmakers about Biden’s age and his performance in the recent presidential debate. The 81-year-old president’s debate showing two weeks ago has fueled doubts among his own party members about his ability to effectively take on Trump, who is 77 years old.
In her statement, Ocasio-Cortez directly addressed the lawmakers who have publicly urged Biden to step aside, saying, “That is all up to their own individual determination, but I’m here to make sure we win in November and that is my focus.”
Ocasio-Cortez also sought to shift the narrative by drawing attention to Trump’s legal troubles, noting that the former president has been convicted of 34 felony crimes in a New York court. She emphasized that not a single Republican has called for Trump to step down as the party’s nominee, despite his extensive legal woes.
Read: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz Lead National Initiative To Nix Taxes On Tips
Despite the growing unease within the Democratic Party, Biden has remained steadfast in his determination to seek a second term.
“We have 42 days to the Democratic Convention and 119 days to the general election,” Biden said in a letter, distributed by his reelection campaign Monday. “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”
Biden followed up the letter with a phone interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show, on which he insisted that “average Democrats” want him to stay in the race and said he was “frustrated” by the calls from party officials for him to step aside.
Read: CNN Data Guru Says He Would ‘Take A Roll Of The Dice’ On Kamala Harris If He Were Dem Donor
The growing divide within the Democratic Party has been exposed, with a private call among top House committee members revealing a deepening rift. Some senior Democrats, including Reps. Jerrold Nadler, Jim Himes, Adam Smith, and Mark Takano, have privately expressed the view that Biden should step aside, while others, such as Reps. Maxine Waters, Bobby Scott, and Richard Neal, have staunchly supported the president.
In his letter to congressional Democrats, Biden has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping aside. He has stressed that the party has “one job” – to defeat Donald Trump in November.
Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, with only 42 days until the Democratic Convention and 119 days until the general election. He has warned that any “weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead” would only benefit Trump and hurt the Democratic Party.
Read: Op-Ed: Returning Trump To The White House Would Reverse Biden’s ‘Energy Ideocracy’
The upheaval within the Democratic Party has also tested the leadership of figures such as House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Both have refrained from publicly directing lawmakers on a path forward as they balance the diverse opinions within their ranks.
Behind the scenes, the influence of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has been felt. Pelosi has remained supportive of Biden, even as she acknowledged that his debate performance had raised “legitimate” questions that he needed to address.
Her public praise of Biden as a “great President who continues to deliver for America’s kitchen table” has been seen as a signal of her continued backing.
The concerns about Biden’s electability have been a central focus of the ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party.
Read: Biden Defiant As He Battles To Retain Presidency Amid Health Concerns
Some lawmakers have expressed doubts about his ability to defeat Trump in the general election, particularly in the wake of his “dismal public debate performance.” However, others, such as Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, have argued that it is time to “quit the hand-wringing and get back to door knocking.”
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.