If you're a Democrat running for office, chances are high you'd want to appear on former President Obama's list of endorsements—but one progressive darling wasn't so lucky.
The 44th president endorsed 118 Democrats who are running for office at the federal and state level in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. While New York candidates were on his list, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was not among them.
"I'm proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic and highly qualified Democrats," Obama said. "Together, these candidates will help us redeem our country's promise by sticking up for working people, restoring fairness and opportunity to our system, and fighting for the good of all Americans — not just those at the top."
The Democrats he endorsed makes him "optimistic not just about our party's chances in November but about our country's future so long after that," he added. "So if you're in one of their districts or states, make sure you vote for them this fall."
Obama said a second round of endorsements would be coming in the fall once all state primaries have been completed. He may decide to throw his support behind AOC then, just as he did prior to the 2018 midterm elections.
I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic, and highly qualified Democrats. If you’re in one of their districts or states, make sure you vote for them this fall. And if you can, vote early—by mail or in person. https://t.co/PSm3Rf3wkF pic.twitter.com/7RXrJriBz8
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 3, 2020