Ocasio puts him on back-Berner
She’s Bern-ed out. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the self-described Democratic socialist who was an organizer for Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign, isn’t ready to endorse her fellow socialist for 2020.
“She’ll see what the field looks like,” Corbin Trent, Ocasio-Cortez’s communications director, told Politico. “She’s focused on 2018, [Bernie’s] focused on 2018. We’re all focused on 2018.”
Sanders did not endorse Ocasio-Cortez in her stunning June primary upset of longtime Queens political boss, Rep. Joe Crowley.
But since then, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have joined forces to campaign for progressive candidates around the country.
Even as Sanders kicks off a nine-state tour ahead of November’s midterm elections, many of his former campaign staffers said they’re moving on, Politico reported on Thursday.
“I think that if a younger candidate can pick up the mantle and have Bernie’s support, I think that would be a better option for 2020. I feel like 60 to 70 percent of former staffers are looking around for another Bernie-esque candidate this time around, even if it’s not him,” Daniel Deriso, a field organizer for Sanders’ 2016 campaign, told Politico.
Sanders’ ex-staffers said many of his key issues — such as Medicare for all and a $15 minimum wage — have been adopted by other candidates across the country.
The former campaign manager for the 77-year-old Vermont independent rejected the notion that enthusiasm for another Sanders run is lagging.
“I’ve spoken with a number of people who are interested in a draft-Bernie movement,” said Jeff Weaver. “My e-mail is full and my voicemail is full of former Bernie staffers who are eager to come back should he run.”