Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic congresswoman from New York, called Hunter Biden an important voice for addiction and recovery, but has refused to say whether the former first son should seek elected office.
During an interview with TMZ, the congresswoman said she isn’t aware of Biden’s plans for his political future. Her insights were based on personal experience in Congress.
“I’ve sat in the same room as him when he offered deposition and was interviewed by Republicans and by Democrats on the Oversight Committee, and I can tell you he is a very compelling advocate on addiction and recovery,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Ocasio-Cortez said Biden speaking publicly about his own addiction is especially important, given his public profile as the son of a former President.
“Destigmatizing and showing the country that someone in a prominent position that he’s already been in as the son of a president can be public and publicly vulnerable about what it means to recover from addiction, it can save lives,” she said. “A lot of people operate in shame in addiction, and that shame keeps them from getting the help that they need.”
When asked by TMZ whether Hunter should run for office or be taken seriously in the Democratic Party, Ocasio-Cortez deflected again.
“Whether he considers public office or not, there are so many ways to contribute to change in this country,” she said.
