Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez isn't ready to endorse Joe Biden


Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) isn't ready to officially endorse former Vice President Joe Biden for president, though she's sticking to her promise to support the Democratic nominee against President Trump in November.
Ocasio-Cortez told The New York Times that it's basically up to Biden to get a full-fledged endorsement from her, noting that she would like to see him commit more fully to a progressive agenda, rather than to simply hedge a little more to the left on certain issues. "The whole process of coming together should be uncomfortable for everyone involved — that's how you know it's working," she said. "And if Biden is only doing things he's comfortable with, then it's not enough."
The congresswoman maintains the opinion that Biden didn't emerge as the presumptive nominee because of his policy, but rather his coalition-building. She said it's clear Democratic voters in most states back an agenda more suited to the progressive wing of the party. Still, she admitted there's a chance she'd participate in something like a unity rally with Biden down the line if he follows through in certain areas.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Times interview took place before Ocasio-Cortez's first choice for the presidency, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), endorsed Biden officially Monday, so it'll be worth keeping an eye on whether her stance shifts at all in the near future. Read more at The New York Times.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
Art review: Jack Whitten: The Messenger
Feature Museum of Modern Art, New York City, through Aug. 2
By The Week US Published
-
Torpedo bats could revolutionize baseball and players are taking notice
In the Spotlight The new bats have been used by the New York Yankees with tremendous success
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'People first. Then money. Then things'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Sen. Booker's 25-hour speech beats Thurmond
Speed Read He spoke for the longest time in recorded Senate history, protesting the Trump administration's policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bondi seeks death penalty for Luigi Mangione
Speed Read Mangione was charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats win costly Wisconsin court seat
Speed Read Democrats prevailed in an election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court despite Elon Musk's robust financial support of the Republican candidate
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
WHCA rejects White House press seating grab
Speed Read The White House Correspondents' Association objected to the Trump administration's bid to control where journalists sit during press briefings
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sends more migrants to El Salvador jail
Speed Read Another 17 Venezuelan alleged gang members have been deported to a notorious prison
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump 'not joking' about unconstitutional 3rd term
Speed Read The president seems to be serious about seeking a third term in 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff Published
-
Supreme Court upholds 'ghost gun' restrictions
Speed Read Ghost guns can be regulated like other firearms
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published