Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.) reaffirmed her support for President Biden on Monday as calls from Democrats grew for him to step aside as the party’s presumptive nominee for the White House.
“I spoke to the president over the weekend. I spoke extensively with him,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters outside the Capitol on Monday night. “He made it clear then – and has made it clear ever since – that he is in this race.”
“The matter is closed,” she continued. “He reiterated that this morning. He reiterated this to the public. Joe Biden is our nominee. He will not abandon this race. He’s in this race and I support him.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s declaration of support comes as the party tries to find a way forward after Biden’s poor debate performance sparked concerns about whether he is the best candidate to defeat former President Trump in November.
At least six House Democrats have publicly called for the 81-year-old incumbent to resign, while others have expressed similar sentiments privately. At the same time, some Democrats have redoubled their support for Biden — including many leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Biden also insisted. He promised not to give up the race and rejected calls for him to do so, considering them the desires of the party’s “elites” and not ordinary voters. In a phone interview with MSNBC’s Morning Joe Monday, he also challenged others to challenge him.
“I’m getting frustrated with the party elites, ‘Oh, they know so much better,’” the president said. “Any of these guys who don’t think I should run run against me. challenge me at the convention.”
Ocasio-Cortez drew a contrast between Trump and Biden as she reiterated her support for the incumbent, noting that the former president was recently convicted of 34 criminal charges in New York “and no Republican has called for Donald Trump not to be the nominee.” since he became the presumptive candidate.
She also said Biden’s campaign must articulate a clear plan to address voters’ concerns and make sure to “commit to the issues that are critically important to working people across the country,” like expanding Medicare and Social Security and provide relief when it comes to rent and mortgages.
“If we can do that and continue our work on student loans, secure a ceasefire and return those dollars to public policy investment, then that is how we will win in November,” said the New York Democrat. “That’s what I’m committed to and that’s what I want to make sure we’re safe.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
