Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), commonly referred to as AOC, has been stripped of her endorsement by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Ocasio-Cortez has lost the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America over disagreements on her stance regarding Israel, with the group saying she is insufficiently tough on the Jewish state, as Breitbart reports.

Since her rise to Congress in 2018, AOC has been a prominent figure within the democratic socialist movement. However, recent actions and votes have positioned her at odds with the DSA's more radical anti-Israel stance.

Notably, AOC voted in favor of a resolution that equates anti-Israel sentiment with antisemitism, known as H.Res.888, a decision that has stirred controversy within the socialist ranks.

Additionally, her endorsement of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), who is known for his strong pro-Palestinian views but recently lost his primary, also highlighted her political alignments.

Diverging Paths: AOC's Actions Lead to DSA's Withdrawal

The DSA has pointed out several instances where they believe AOC has failed to adequately oppose Israeli policies. This includes her support for the Iron Dome defense system, a stance encapsulated in a co-signed press release from April 20, 2024.

Moreover, her participation in a panel discussion that opposed the boycott of Zionist institutions has added to the DSA's frustrations, leading to her losing the socialist endorsement.

These decisions by AOC were seen as steps away from the DSA’s established criteria for endorsement, which emphasize strong support for Palestinian rights and opposition to Israeli policies.

Critical Statements: The DSA's Stance on Palestine

The DSA has expressed that while AOC has supported various pro-Palestine resolutions in the past, her recent actions contradict the essential anti-Zionist stance required by the organization.

In a statement, the DSA highlighted, "We must endorse candidates who enthusiastically seek a relationship with DSA, and who are unabashed in their support for Palestinian freedom."

This delineation of expectations is set by the National Political Committee (NPC), the highest decision-making body of the DSA between conventions, tasked with ensuring that endorsed candidates strictly adhere to these guidelines.

Endorsement Criteria and Political Alignment

The criteria for a national endorsement by the DSA are stringent, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where they demand uncompromised support for Palestinian freedom.

According to the NPC, the endorsement process is a serious commitment to the socialist movement, aiming to build a socialist movement capable of defeating capitalism by demanding rigorous standards from its leaders.

The NPC's commitment to these criteria has led to a reevaluation of AOC's alignment with the DSA's goals, culminating in the withdrawal of her endorsement.

Conclusion: Reevaluating Political Endorsements

In conclusion, AOC's falling out with the DSA marks a significant shift in the political landscape within the socialist movement in the U.S. It underscores the challenges politicians face when balancing a wide array of interests and ideologies within their own supporter bases.

The withdrawal of AOC's endorsement by the DSA reflects broader tensions within the left about how to approach issues of international policy, particularly those concerning Israel and Palestine.

This episode not only highlights the stringent criteria for political endorsements within major political movements but also signals potential future conflicts as political figures navigate complex global issues.