Former president Barack Obama released a second round of endorsements Monday for the upcoming midterm elections. Obama endorsed far-left Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for New York’s 14th District, a seat that is considered safely Democratic.
Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote: pic.twitter.com/NO5jnhX3XD
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2018
Ocasio-Cortez defeated fourth-ranking House Democrat Joe Crowley in a June primary and the 28-year-old boasts a far-left agenda that includes calls to abolish ICE and advocating for Medicare for All.
President Obama finally endorsed Medicare for All in September after claiming in the past that Obamacare was not single-payer healthcare.
While she was initially regarded as a Democratic star, Ocasio-Cortez has made a series of blunders in interviews, including making inaccurate claims about unemployment numbers and the military’s budget.
She also came under fire for banning the press from some of her town halls.
Ocasio-Cortez replied to the criticism of her press bans by saying she was trying to make the events a "sanctuary space," arguing that "people were much more comfortable sharing their personal issues with healthcare, housing, and immigration. It was a safe + powerful environment for change."
Following Ocasio-Cortez’s win, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) denied that it meant anything for the success of Democratic socialism in the Democratic party. She argued that Ocasio-Cortez won in a very progressive district.
However, Obama’s endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez appears to signal more mainstream approval of her agenda especially since her seat is regarded as safe.
Obama also backed far-left candidate Andrew Gillum who advocates abolishing ICE and establishing Medicare for All.
Gillum faces a tough race for Florida governor against Trump-backed Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).