In a recent BBC interview, former US Vice-President Kamala Harris expressed concern that she did not ask President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, reflecting on whether she should have urged him not to run for re-election.
Harris made these comments during an appearance on ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,’ where she revealed that she often reflects on whether she should have had a conversation with Biden about his decision to seek another term. She stated, ‘I do reflect on whether I should have had a conversation with him, urging him not to run for re-election.’ This introspection comes after Biden ended his re-election bid in July 2024 following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump, which amplified concerns about his age and mental acuity.
Her concern centered not on Biden’s ability to perform his presidential duties but on whether he could withstand the rigorous demands of a campaign. Harris emphasized the distinction between governing and campaigning, noting that running against Trump required exceptional endurance and energy. She said, ‘My concern, especially on reflection is, should I have actually raised it,’ questioning if her silence was due to grace or recklessness in not addressing the issue sooner.
Harris feared that raising the issue could be perceived as self-serving, as it might appear she was promoting her own political ambitions. She explained, ‘Part of the issue there was that it would – would it have actually been an effective and productive conversation, given what would otherwise appear to be my self-interest?’ This hesitation highlights the complex dynamics and loyalties within high-level political circles, where personal relationships often intersect with public responsibilities.
In her book ‘107 Days,’ which documents her three-month campaign after Biden’s withdrawal, Harris wrote that the decision to run again should not have been left solely to an individual’s ego or ambition. She suggested that broader consultation might have led to a different outcome, writing that ‘perhaps’ she should have discussed it with him, and that such choices impact the broader Democratic Party and electorate.
Biden’s withdrawal came after months of speculation about his health, intensified by a disastrous debate in June 2024. Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee but ultimately lost to Trump in the general election. The aftermath has sparked debates about whether Biden’s inner circle, including aides and advisors, should have intervened sooner to address concerns about his campaign viability.
Some accounts, like in the book ‘Original Sin,’ allege that people close to Biden covered up his physical deterioration, though his team has denied any mental incapacity affecting his job performance. Biden himself, in a post-presidency interview with the BBC, stated that withdrawing earlier would not have changed the election outcome, suggesting that the dynamics were already set.
Despite the loss, Harris remains engaged in public service, telling the BBC she is ‘not done’ and hinting at a possible future presidential run. She has ruled out running for governor of California, indicating her focus remains on national politics and addressing issues like democracy and public trust in the wake of the election.