US President Joe Biden, in a statement ahead of his departure from office, expressed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, despite her defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Biden’s Endorsement Amid Defeat
In a public statement made just days before his exit from the White House, Biden endorsed Harris’s ability to run for president again in 2028. “I think she’s competent to run again in four years. That will be a decision for her to make,” Biden said, referring to Harris’s future political plans. Despite her loss to Trump in the November 5 election, Biden expressed confidence in her leadership, emphasizing her capability to carry the party forward.
The election, which saw Trump reclaim the presidency, was a tough defeat for Harris, who had stepped into the race after Biden bowed out following a disappointing debate performance earlier in 2024. This came after concerns over Biden’s cognitive abilities, which had sparked a rift within the Democratic Party. Biden’s decision to support Harris over his own potential re-election was framed as a move to ensure party unity in the face of internal division.
Harris’s Historic Vice Presidency and the 2024 Campaign
Kamala Harris’s historic tenure as vice president remains a significant milestone in American politics. She became the first woman, first African American, and first Indian American to hold the vice presidency in 2020. However, her run for the presidency in 2024 marked a challenging chapter in her political career. After Biden stepped down from his campaign, Harris became the Democratic nominee but faced significant hurdles in her campaign against Trump.
Despite Biden’s endorsement, Harris’s defeat in all seven battleground states raised questions about her ability to capture the swing votes necessary for a successful presidential bid. Her loss was a major blow to the Democratic Party, but Biden remained steadfast in his belief that she could have defeated Trump under different circumstances.
The Aftermath of the 2024 Election
After the election results, Harris has remained largely silent about her next steps. She has yet to announce any clear intentions regarding her future political career. The focus now shifts to whether she will attempt to make another run for president in 2028 or take a different path.
One of the major developments in recent days was the cancellation of her planned international tour, which was meant to boost her profile abroad. The tour was canceled due to wildfires in California, which have added to the state’s already significant challenges. This unforeseen event further complicated Harris’s ability to maintain momentum after the election, leaving her political future uncertain.
Biden’s Reflections on His Own Campaign
Biden’s comments about the 2024 race also provided insight into his thinking regarding his own decision to step down. During his press conference, Biden insisted that he believed he could have beaten Trump had he chosen to stay in the race. “I think I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump,” Biden declared. He expressed similar confidence in Harris’s potential to win against Trump, despite the election’s outcome.
Biden’s choice to withdraw from the race was motivated by his desire to prioritize party unity. The 2024 presidential election had become increasingly contentious, with concerns about Biden’s performance in debates fueling doubts among some Democrats. By stepping aside, Biden aimed to avoid further division and allow Harris to lead the charge for the party.
