This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
AOC Backs Bernie: What's Behind the Endorsement ¶
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has made waves in the Democratic presidential primary by endorsing Senator Bernie Sanders. But what's behind this high-profile endorsement?
According to sources close to the campaign, Ocasio-Cortez's decision to back Sanders was influenced by their shared commitment to progressive values and their history of working together. The two have been allies in the fight for a Green New Deal and have collaborated on legislation to eliminate student debt.
As The New York Times reported in 2019, Ocasio-Cortez was an organizer on Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign, and she has credited him with inspiring her to get involved in politics. The two have also worked together on issues like healthcare and education.
While some may see Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement as a boost for Sanders's campaign, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on his age and health. However, Ocasio-Cortez has sought to ease these concerns by highlighting Sanders's energy and commitment to the progressive cause.
As one source noted, 'For her, Bernie Sanders played a key role in why she got into politics in the first place.' He added, 'They share more than an ideological kinship. They share a whole activist-first approach to how politics should be pursued.'
With Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement, Sanders's campaign is likely to gain momentum in the lead-up to the 2020 Democratic primary. But what does this mean for the future of the party and the progressive movement?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement of Sanders is a significant development in the world of politics.
