Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly endorsed President Biden on Monday, emphasizing his commitment to staying in the race despite concerns about his age. The New York congresswoman, a prominent member of the 'Squad,' affirmed her support for Biden outside the Capitol, stating that he had made it clear he would not withdraw from the presidential race.
Ocasio-Cortez revealed that she had spoken extensively with the president over the weekend, reiterating his determination to continue his campaign. She emphasized that Biden is the Democratic nominee and emphasized the importance of unity within the party to defeat former President Trump in the upcoming election.
Following Biden's lackluster debate performance, some Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Mike Quigley, Seth Moulton, Lloyd Doggett, Angie Craig, and Raul Grijalva, have publicly called for Biden to step aside. However, Ocasio-Cortez dismissed these concerns, focusing on the goal of defeating Trump in November.
Highlighting Trump's legal issues, Ocasio-Cortez underscored the urgency of concentrating on winning the general election. She criticized Republicans for not holding Trump accountable despite his numerous felony convictions, emphasizing the need for a united front against the current president.
When asked about lawmakers seeking more from Biden, Ocasio-Cortez reiterated her commitment to securing victory in November. She emphasized that her primary focus is on ensuring the Democratic Party's success in the upcoming election.
As Congress reconvened for its first full week since the debate, Democratic lawmakers largely defended Biden and redirected criticism toward Trump. The endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez signals a unified front within the party as they gear up for the presidential election.