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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of Congress’ most left-wing members, claims that President Joe Biden risks the “collapse” of support among younger, more ‘progressive’ Democratic Party voters in a new interview.
The second-term lawmaker from New York who represents Queens and The Bronx in the nation’s capital made her remarks in an interview with New York 1 host Errol Louis, going on to claim that Biden’s ongoing (and some say worsening) political problems are potentially leading to a shift in power following this year’s midterm elections in November, the New York Post reported.
“We need to acknowledge that this isn’t just about middle of the road, increasingly narrow band of independent voters,” the self-described Democratic socialist told Louis.
“But, this is really about the collapse of support among young people, among Democratic base, feeling like they worked overtime to get this president elected and they aren’t necessarily being seen.”
Her remarks were made in the context of a longer back-and-forth regarding Biden’s cratering polling numbers and how she thinks that Democrats could avert a political washout during November’s congressional elections which is typically what the party in control of the White House tends to experience.
“It is Biden’s power and ability to cancel student debt, and nobody else’s,” AOC told the host, in reference to a pledge Biden made on the campaign trail to remove $10,000 from every college student’s current debt, a left-wing talking point that the administration has yet to undertake.
The Post continues:
Progressives, like Ocasio-Cortez and her fellow congressional “Squad” members, insist Biden has the authority to wipe away that amount — and potentially much more — via executive action, eliminating any chance that more conservative Democrats or Republicans could hold it up in Congress.
“With his falling approval numbers, one would think they might be open to trying something, other than cruising down the path to a tough reelection. Do you get the sense whether or not they’re open to that?” asked Louis.
Ocasio-Cortez responded that the president is allegedly still considering the action, but she went on to warn that “time for the administration is running out.”
“And we do not have much more time to wait because these falling poll numbers, I don’t believe in governing by polling,” she added.
In December, Biden took heat for refusing to continue extending a student loan repayment moratorium which was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the coming weeks, we will release more details about our plans. We will engage directly with federal student loan borrowers to ensure they have the resources they need and are in the appropriate repayment plan,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time.
“We are still assessing the impact of the Omicron variant. A smooth transition back into repayment is a high priority for the administration. The Department of Education is already communicating with borrowers to help them to help to prepare for return to repayment on February 1,” she said.
“41 million borrowers have benefitted from the extended student loan payment pause, but it expires February 1, so right now we’re just making a range of preparations,” she added.
The announcement did not sit well with leftists, especially the progressive wing of the party.
“Biden ran on a promise of student loan relief, paving a way to help millions of people. Now student loan payments are set to begin on Feb 1st. Broken promises will lose is elections in 2022 & 2024. Biden we voted for you to follow through on your promises,” replied self-described “drag artist” Marti Cummings.
“A note to Democrats who blame progressives after losing an election: Forcing millions to start paying student loans again and cutting off the Child Tax Credit at the start of an election year is not a winning strategy. We’re warning you now, don’t point fingers in November,” Missouri Democrat Rep. Cori Bush tweeted.
“People need relief and they need it now. Pass the Build Back Better Act and cancel student debt,” demanded Washington Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
Some have said that Biden does not have the authority to cancel student debt, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
“People think that the president of the United States has the power for debt forgiveness,” she said during a press conference in July. “He does not. He can postpone, he can delay, but he does not have that power. That has to be an act of Congress.”
