'This matter is closed': AOC says she supports Biden despite calls for him to drop out

WASHINGTON - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., told reporters Monday that she supports President Joe Biden’s decision to stay in the 2024 race.

“I have spoken with him extensively. He made clear then and he has made clear since that he is still in this race. The matter is closed,” said Ocasio-Cortez. “He had reiterated that this morning. He has reiterated that to the public. Joe Biden is our nominee. He is not leaving this race. He is in this race and I support him.”

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Her comments come as several House Democrats have called on him to drop out following a dismal debate performance. Ocasio-Cortez, a member of “The Squad” made up of progressive congressional Democrats, said she’s told Biden what he needs to do to win in November is “increasingly commit to the issues that are critically important to working people across this country.”

“And if we can do that and our work on student loans, secure a cease-fire, and bring those dollars back into investing in public policy, then that's how we win in November,” she said.

Other “Squad” members, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., have also thrown their support behind Biden.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AOC says she's spoken with Biden 'extensively' and supports him