New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has urged fellow Democrats to campaign for a codified right to abortion as a battle tactic against Donald Trump. Speaking to NBC’s Kristen Welker, Ocasio-Cortez said Trump is not as strong as many believe, as indicated by Nikki Haley’s performance in New Hampshire. She said the former President has “extraordinary vulnerabilities,” and even though he is “virtually head of his party,” Haley still managed to secure 43% of the New Hampshire vote.
Pressed by Welker on whether she believed Biden is the right person to oppose Trump in November, Ocasio-Cortez said the President should focus his campaign on America’s young people and try to regain much of the support he has lost due to his pro-Israel stance. She said Biden is the right candidate, “Especially when we look at this field.” The lawmaker compared Biden to Democrat primary contenders Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips and said Biden is undoubtedly stronger than either.
The New Yorker addressed codified abortion and said this is one issue that Biden should run on, particularly given he hinted toward such a move immediately after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. “The fastest way to restore Roe is to pass a national law,” Biden said before urging people to support the idea and “Vote, vote, vote.” He said to pass a national law, voters must elect two more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice House.
In addition to campaigning on abortion, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she would also support free or reduced-cost university education and healthcare reform. “I want to see the age of Medicare drop, whether it’s to 50 as the president has discussed earlier or to zero, as is my preference,” she said.
Overall, the New York Rep. believes President Biden must do more to present a vision of America that Democrat voters want to see. She said standing against Trump or the GOP is not enough, Biden must be clear about what he stands for.
