Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., criticized fellow Democrats on Thursday for closing ranks around President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign and rejecting primary challengers, even as Biden later withdrew from the race.
In a podcast interview with The Majority Report, Ocasio-Cortez argued that some Democrats who now advocate for Biden’s exit were previously among those who suppressed primary challenges. She suggested this inconsistency undermined the party’s credibility on democracy, particularly in light of Biden’s June 2024 debate performance and his subsequent decision to step aside in July 2024.
Key Developments
- Biden’s Exit: Biden withdrew from the presidential race on July 21, 2024, following sustained pressure from Democrats concerned about his electability after his poor debate performance against Donald Trump.
- Ocasio-Cortez’s Criticism: The congresswoman, who had previously supported Biden’s candidacy, accused some Democrats of hypocrisy for now calling for his exit while previously opposing primary challenges.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Remarks
Ocasio-Cortez made the comments during a discussion about Democratic messaging on democracy. She referenced a moment when Vice President Kamala Harris promoted democracy with a banner behind her, questioning the party’s credibility given its handling of Biden’s candidacy.
"I think that some, not all, but some of the Democrats that are most aggressive about getting their narrative out about how they wanted to push Biden out were also the same Democrats that were most aggressive about closing the wagons on a primary process when we had a chance to have that in a presidential election," Ocasio-Cortez said.
She added that calling for Biden to drop out had become a "litmus test" within the party, with some attributing it to a "consultant class" seeking to control the narrative. Ocasio-Cortez had publicly backed Biden’s re-election bid until his withdrawal.
Party Dynamics and Primary Process
The criticism highlights ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding internal democracy and the handling of Biden’s candidacy. Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks suggest a divide between progressive factions and the party establishment over how leadership transitions should occur.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) ultimately nominated Harris as the party’s presidential candidate following Biden’s exit, with no formal primary process held. Ocasio-Cortez did not endorse Harris at the time of her remarks, though she later supported the ticket after Harris became the nominee.
Context: Biden’s Campaign and Withdrawal
Biden’s campaign faced increasing scrutiny after his June 27, 2024, debate performance, which many Democrats and political analysts described as weak. Concerns about his age and ability to defeat Trump grew, leading to calls from lawmakers, donors, and activists for him to step aside. Despite initial resistance, Biden announced his withdrawal on July 21, 2024, endorsing Harris as his successor.
The party’s rapid consolidation around Harris following Biden’s exit underscored the lack of a formal primary process, which Ocasio-Cortez and others had previously advocated for. The DNC bypassed a traditional primary in favor of a virtual roll call, citing time constraints and the need for party unity.
Reactions and Broader Implications
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments reflect broader debates within the Democratic Party about internal governance, transparency, and the role of progressive voices. Her criticism of the "consultant class" suggests skepticism toward establishment figures who may prioritize party unity over democratic processes.
The episode also raises questions about the party’s ability to address internal divisions while presenting a united front against Trump in the general election. Harris’s subsequent campaign has sought to unify the party, but the tensions highlighted by Ocasio-Cortez remain a point of contention for some progressives.