Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has voiced her frustration with Democratic colleagues discussing the possibility of replacing President Joe Biden on the 2024 ticket, labeling the conversations as "bulls**t." AOC emphasized that unity within the party is not guaranteed if Vice President Kamala Harris becomes the nominee, reflecting broader concerns about internal divisions as the election approaches.
During an interview with The New York Times, AOC expressed dismay over the ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about Biden's viability as a candidate due to his age and recent debate performance.
BREAKING: AOC just clearly articulated why President Biden should be our nominee and why it’s so important to stand up to donors trying to undermine President Biden’s reelection campaign. Retweet to make sure all Americans see this impactful clip. pic.twitter.com/dN3bwsAUa3
— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) July 19, 2024
She argued that focusing on replacing Biden, rather than strengthening his campaign, undermines party cohesion and could alienate voters. The congresswoman’s remarks highlight the tensions simmering within the party, as some members call for a younger, more dynamic candidate to energize the base.
Several influential Democratic donors and strategists have voiced skepticism about Harris's appeal as a potential replacement for Biden. Former Clinton adviser James Carville noted that many donors are hesitant to support a campaign featuring Harris at the top of the ticket. Carville highlighted the concern among swing voters, suggesting that Harris's candidacy could be even less favorable than Biden’s, given her lower popularity ratings.
AOC calls Trump a neo-N*zi days after he was shot. Is this what toning it down looks like? pic.twitter.com/Ih0Slh94qu
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 19, 2024
Paul Begala, another Democratic strategist, echoed these sentiments, stating that Harris might pose a greater challenge in securing swing voters' support. Despite these criticisms, some party members believe Harris could unify key demographics, particularly black women and progressives, who have shown tepid enthusiasm for Biden's candidacy.
Harris's team has expressed frustration with the persistent discussions about bypassing her in favor of other potential candidates, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. They argue that overlooking Harris, a black woman, would be offensive and detrimental to the party's efforts to maintain support among black voters, a crucial demographic that has shown signs of waning support for Biden in recent months.
The debate over Biden’s candidacy has intensified following his lackluster performance in a recent debate against former President Donald Trump. Some Democrats fear that Biden's age and perceived frailty could hinder his re-election prospects, prompting calls for new leadership. However, the Biden campaign has dismissed these concerns, asserting that both Biden and Harris are committed to running together in 2024.
As the Democratic Party grapples with these internal conflicts, AOC's outspoken criticism underscores the potential for further division as the election nears. The congresswoman’s comments serve as a reminder of the delicate balance the party must maintain to present a united front against the Republican challenger, likely to be Trump, in the upcoming election.
