Despite growing calls within the Democratic Party for President Biden to step down, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has firmly endorsed his bid for re-election, declaring that he is "in this race" and that the matter is "closed."
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has thrown her unequivocal support behind President Biden, dismissing growing concerns about his age and fitness for office.
Ocasio-Cortez made her stance clear on Monday, telling reporters outside the Capitol that Biden has "made clear" he will not step down despite calls from some within his own party to do so.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Biden Amid Democratic Doubts
"I have spoken to the president over the weekend. I have spoken with him extensively. He made clear then, and he has made clear since, that he is in this race," Ocasio-Cortez said. "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."
Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement comes amid growing unease within the Democratic Party about Biden's chances of defeating former President Donald Trump in November. Biden's disastrous debate performance two weeks ago has fueled concerns that he may not be physically or mentally sharp enough to handle the rigors of the campaign.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Biden Amid Democratic Doubts
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Mike Quigley, Seth Moulton, Lloyd Doggett, Angie Craig, and Raul Grijalva, have publicly urged Biden to step aside and make way for a younger candidate.
However, Ocasio-Cortez argues that the most important consideration for Democrats is defeating Trump, whom she described as a "man with 34 felony convictions."
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Biden Amid Democratic Doubts
"Now what I think is critically important is that we focus on what it takes to win in November. Because he is running against Donald Trump, who is a man with 34 felony convictions – that has committed 34 felony crimes. And not a single Republican has asked for Donald Trump to not be the nominee," she said.
Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement is a significant boost for Biden, who has struggled to maintain unity within his own party. However, it remains to be seen whether her support will be enough to quell the growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers calling for his withdrawal from the race.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Biden Amid Democratic Doubts
In the meantime, Biden has dismissed the calls to drop out, vowing to fight on and prove his fitness for office.
"I am the only one who can beat Trump," Biden said in a recent speech. "I will not let him tear this country apart. I will not let him destroy our democracy."
Whether Biden can ultimately overcome the challenges facing him and secure a second term remains to be seen. However, with Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement, he has at least gained the support of one of the most outspoken and progressive voices in the Democratic Party.
