AOC Criticizes Democratic Party’s Approach to Biden’s Candidacy

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., expressed criticism towards her own party during a podcast interview on Thursday, targeting Democrats for their support of former President Joe Biden. Speaking with Emma Vigeland on ‘The Majority Report,’ Ocasio-Cortez discussed how Democrats lost credibility regarding democracy.

Vigeland highlighted that Democrats alienated voters during ‘the genocide in Gaza’ and by backing Biden’s re-election without a significant primary process. She mentioned that Vice President Kamala Harris’s discussions on democracy failed due to a lack of credibility.

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Ocasio-Cortez noted that some Democrats aggressively promoting their narrative to push Biden out were the same ones closing off the primary process. She explained that there was a compensation effort within the party, creating a litmus test related to Biden stepping down.

The congresswoman maintained her support for Biden until he withdrew in July 2024, despite growing Democratic demands for him to step aside after a poor debate showing against Donald Trump. She urged those who doubted Biden’s ability to win against Trump to act according to their conscience.

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Therapist Jonathan Alter commented on the erosion of trust among Democratic voters due to perceived hypocrisy. He highlighted that voters are less forgiving when rules seem to differ for political opponents versus those in power.

Ocasio-Cortez noted that once Democratic actions appeared unpopular, a shift occurred as some Democrats distanced themselves from prior decisions. Despite calls for Biden to exit the 2024 race, former Rep. Dean Phillips initiated a primary challenge. However, his bid, faced with substantial pushback from Democratic leadership, proved unsuccessful.

Phillips claimed Democratic leaders resisted his efforts and relayed an incident involving House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ chief of staff warning him against speaking with the White House after announcing his intent to challenge Biden.