AOC Backs Sanders for President, Ignores Biden in Brief Remarks

In one of the shortest speeches of the convention, progressive star Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not endorse Biden for president Tuesday but instead nominated his 2020 rival, Bernie Sanders. 

Her appearance was a part of the procedure of the convention to give a nod to the person who came in second place in the delegate count. 

“In a time when millions of people in the United States are looking for deep systemic solutions to our crises of mass evictions, unemployment, and lack of health care, and espíritu del pueblo and out of a love for all people, I hereby second the nomination of Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America,” she said. 

Watch Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's full remarks at the 2020 DNC

AUG. 18, 202001:37

It’s not a surprise that Ocasio-Cortez, who has spoken explicitly about her morals driving her politics, backed Sanders, who she also endorsed during the primaries. The self-described Democratic Socialist, known for stinging her critics on social media, is one of the most outspoken, progressive and youngest members of Congress. 

She spoke to those who are actively participating in social justice protests around the country and those who want a nationwide movement that fights for “social, economic, and human rights,” including health care for all, tuition-free higher education, a higher minimum wage and protecting unions. Ocasio-Cortez notably did not mention by name any of the signature policies that she and Sanders champion, including the Green New Deal or Medicare for All. She also does not mention Biden or Trump by name.

Bob King, the former president of the United Auto Workers union, nominated Bernie Sanders for president during the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, as Sanders has delegates from the primary that allow for him to be nominated as a purely symbolic act. 

"Bernie’s moral clarity has emboldened the Democratic Party’s fight for justice," King said in nominating Sanders. "The grassroots energy of his supporters has cemented important advances in our platform. Bernie will continue to lead a movement that helps defeat Trump and delivers transformational change."