The Democratic National Convention is happening in a little over a week, and it’s still not clear if progressive darling Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will have a speaking role.
Former Ohio Governor John Kasich, a Republican, is confirmed but not AOC. That’s hilarious.
Steve Nelson of the New York Post reports that party centrists are keeping AOC at bay:
AOC may be denied speaking slot at Democratic National ConventionNew York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may be denied a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention this month, according to a report.Although the 30-year-old Democratic socialist is one of the most recognizable new leaders in the party, centrists are opposed to giving her time to speak.“I think [Vermont Sen.] Bernie [Sanders] and [Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth] Warren will speak, and they’ll represent the progressive wing of the party very ably,” former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell told Politico.Rendell, a longtime friend of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, said it would be unfair to highlight Ocasio-Cortez, who took office last year after a shocking primary win.“If you picked AOC, why wouldn’t you pick Katie Porter or why wouldn’t you pick Madeleine Dean or Mary Gay Scanlon?” Rendell said, referring to other recently elected congresswomen.
Morgan Phillips of FOX News is reporting something similar:
Clintons, Obamas expected to speak at Democratic Convention; AOC might not make the cutBarack and Michelle Obama and Hillary and Bill Clinton are reportedly set to speak at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), along with a number of other high-profile Democrats.But Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may not make the cut.Others who have been tapped for the coveted speaking slots include three of Joe Biden’s former opponents — Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., along with the presumptive Democratic nominee’s wife Jill Biden, according to Politico…Democrats are also trying to secure well-known military veterans and other Republicans known for their national security expertise to speak at a portion of the convention dedicated to foreign policy.It’s “unclear” whether AOC will have any public role in the convention, but other other prominent Democrats, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will have roles, Politico reported. Given the time constraints – two hours of programming each night Aug. 17 – Aug. 20 – the Biden campaign will be forced to make cuts.
Politico is saying that AOC will be included, but even they can’t confirm it:
On Friday afternoon, a fellow House member said people close to Ocasio-Cortez said she will get a primetime speaking role and deserves one because she is leading climate change policy for Biden, referring to the “unity” task force created by the former vice president and Sanders that she co-chaired. In response, Ocasio-Cortez spokeswoman Lauren Hitt declined to confirm or deny Ocasio-Cortez’s inclusion in the virtual program, but said, “No one close to the congresswoman said that.”
Don’t be surprised if the organizers end up changing their minds about this.
A convention that features Kasich but not AOC will not go over well with their base.
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