US Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, commonly known as AOC, said that she had not yet decided about endorsing President Joe Biden if he decided to run for the 2024 elections. “We will take a look at it”, she said when asked about her stance.

“We will cross that bridge when we get to it. But I think, if the President has a vision, then that’s something certainly we are all willing to entertain and examine when the time comes”, AOC told CNN in an interview this week.

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Even though the New York Congresswoman did not criticise anything that President Biden has done so far in his term, her lack of decision is not good news for the current US commander in chief.

AOC’s clout

AOC, who represents the 14th Congressional district, is known to be the face of America’s progressive politicians. Senator Bernie Sanders, also a progressive, is considered to be a close ally of AOC.

Sanders, who ran for the White House in the last election, was endorsed by AOC in the presidential primary elections.

Biden’s plunging approval ratings

The US President’s approval ratings have largely been stuck in a downward spiral since July 2021, when American forces were preparing to begin their withdrawal from Afghanistan after roughly two decades.

Issues like the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the possible reversal of Roe v Wade and mass shootings in the United States have acted as fodder for worsening approval ratings. AOC’s hesitation to endorse Biden is likely to impact his support from the progressives.

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Fissures in party unity

Democratic politicians have unearthed differences amongst themselves in the last year. Senators Joe Manchin and Kristen Sinema have been key holdouts, disturbing the balance in the US Senate.

AOC’s comments on Biden can have a ripple effect through the House of Representatives too. This could harm the party’s position in legislative terms — and by extension Biden’s potential plans to run for President again.