AOC says three Democratic candidates stood out during 'breakaway' night of debates

Congresswoman says underdogs always have a 'chance'

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said there were three presidential candidates who stood out during the first Democratic debate - but that she isn't ready to endorse one just yet.

Appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, the youngest-ever congresswoman said: “I really do think this was a breakaway night.

“I think Elizabeth Warren really distinguished herself. I think Julian Castro really distinguished himself. I think Cory Booker did a great job in talking about criminal justice.”

Ms Ocasio-Cortez also expressed her approval of the spotlight candidates put on the transgender community and the immigrant community, calling it an “extraordinary moment”.

The congresswoman was also impressed and slightly amused by the decision of some of the candidates to respond to questions in Spanish, telling Colbert she “loved” that there was a lot of Spanglish in the building, but thought it was “humorous at times” as she felt the candidates used the language as a diversion tactic to avoid answering questions.

“But it was good. I thought it was a good gesture to the fact that we are a diverse country,” she added.

However, the New York congresswoman was less impressed with some of the lesser-known candidates, such as Tim Ryan and John Delaney.

When asked about the underdogs of the debate, and whether she could “pick them out in a line up if you had to,” Ms Ocasio-Cortez paused before responding: “You know, sometimes you’re an underdog until you’re not. So, you know, there’s always a chance.”

But despite praising three of the candidates, the 29-year-old said she has not endorsed anyone yet.

In response to Colbert’s question of whether she was prepared to do so following the first debate, the congresswoman laughed while saying: “No, absolutely not.”