News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/20th July 2024
At a time of significant uncertainty for President Joe Biden, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has emerged as a staunch supporter. As numerous Democratic voices urge Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race, Ocasio-Cortez, widely known as AOC, has used her platform to argue against such calls.
As former President Donald Trump concluded his speech accepting the GOP presidential nomination, AOC addressed thousands of her followers on Instagram Live. She questioned the practicality and legality of replacing Biden at this late stage, warning that such a move could lead to the presidential election being decided by the Supreme Court, reminiscent of the 2000 election.
Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the concerns of voters who desire a change in the Democratic ticket but emphasized the potential chaos that could ensue if Biden were to end his campaign just weeks before the Democratic convention. She urged those who are convinced Biden cannot defeat Trump to follow their conscience but expressed her belief that an alternative scenario could lead to significant peril for the Democratic Party.
In a surprising turn for the progressive Ocasio-Cortez, her vocal support for Biden places her among the few prominent voices in the party advocating for him to remain in the race. Despite over 10% of congressional Democrats calling for Biden to withdraw, few have publicly defended him as AOC has. Meanwhile, party leadership has indicated their support for whatever decision Biden makes.
Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive leaders have also successfully persuaded Biden to adopt several of their priorities for a potential second term. These include expanding Social Security, capping rent increases, eliminating medical debt from credit reports, and imposing term limits on the Supreme Court.
Despite their policy-driven motivations, many progressives are concerned about the implications of a Trump presidency. There is no clear consensus on whether Vice President Kamala Harris would be a stronger candidate, either electorally or in terms of governance.
The progressive movement is experiencing an existential crisis, as described by a progressive strategist, who highlighted the chaos that could arise from changing the ticket. The strategist noted that part of the reason for the progressives’ support of Biden is the comfort level they have with his presidency.
Ocasio-Cortez’s stance is not universally shared within the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Following her Instagram Live, Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., a former co-chair of the CPC, called on Biden to withdraw, citing concerns about his age and fitness affecting the campaign’s viability.
During her Instagram Live, Ocasio-Cortez suggested that the push for Biden to exit the race is primarily driven by wealthy donors and elites, who are not necessarily aligned with the broader electorate’s preferences. She expressed skepticism about the donor class’s motivations and insisted that the decision should reflect the voters’ will, not just the interests of the rich and powerful.
AOC also preemptively addressed the potential fallout if Biden were to step down, questioning whether the nomination would automatically go to Harris or if there would be an open primary. She highlighted Biden’s unique electoral strengths, particularly with older voters, a demographic that other Democrats might struggle to win over.
President Biden, on his part, has repeatedly stated that he will not drop out of the race. He plans to resume campaigning next week after a period of self-isolation due to a Covid-19 diagnosis. The debate within the Democratic Party continues, with some advocating for a competitive process to select a strong candidate if Biden were to step aside, while others, like Ocasio-Cortez, caution against the risks of such a move.
As the Democratic Party navigates this turbulent period, the ultimate decision on Biden’s candidacy will significantly impact the party’s strategy and prospects in the 2024 presidential election.
