AOC Faces Backlash from Progressives after Endorsing Biden for Reelection Progressives are expressing disappointment with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York after she publicly endorsed President Joe Biden’s bid for reelection. Critics argue that her endorsement goes against the progressive movement and accuses her of betraying their cause.
During a recent interview with “Pod Save America,” Ocasio-Cortez announced her support for Biden when asked to choose between him and his Democratic primary challengers, Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She acknowledged Biden’s achievements, citing the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act as positive steps for the climate agenda.
However, Ocasio-Cortez hinted that her decision might have been different if the primary field had been more diverse. She stated, “I believe, given that field, yes.”
The endorsement from one of the far-left wing of Congress and a member of the so-called “Squad” did not sit well with progressives.
In response, fellow progressives criticized Ocasio-Cortez for aligning herself with the Democratic establishment. Briahna Joy Gray, former press secretary for Bernie Sanders’ campaign, took to Twitter to express her view. She wrote, “It was true for Bernie Sanders’ endorsement, and it’s true of AOC. Most Democrats don’t want Biden to run. Bernie and AOC are tragically out of step with the movement and the moment.”
Endorsing Joe Biden now is a betrayal of progressive interests. It was true of Bernie Sanders’ endorsement & its true of AOC.
— Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) July 7, 2023
*Most* Democrats don’t want Biden to run. Bernie and AOC are tragically out of step w/ the movement & the moment. https://t.co/WFC5MFUkcH
Gray also suggested that Ocasio-Cortez and others should demand commitments in exchange for their endorsement, stating, “At the very least, they should be asking for commitments in exchange for their endorsement.”
She referred to a previous statement from Ocasio-Cortez where she mentioned that in a normal country, she and Biden wouldn’t be in the same party, but Gray argued that this no longer holds true.
Other left-leaning individuals joined in the criticism. One user expressed disappointment, calling Ocasio-Cortez an “absolute loser” for praising Biden’s performance and claiming that such support harms the left. Another person, Ransom Thomas, a self-described socialist, went further and accused Ocasio-Cortez of abandoning the socialist movement, questioning her commitment to democratic socialism.
Overall, Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement of Biden for reelection has drawn backlash from progressives who believe she has strayed from the progressive movement’s values and goals.