In a recent appearance on ABC’s The View, former President Joe Biden sparked controversy within the Democratic Party by attributing Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 election defeat to sexism and racism. While taking responsibility for Donald Trump’s victory, Biden emphasized that societal biases played a significant role in Harris’s loss, stating that criticisms of her candidacy were influenced by her gender and race .
Biden also dismissed concerns about his age and cognitive health, asserting that his decision to withdraw from the race was to maintain party unity rather than due to personal limitations. He and former First Lady Jill Biden refuted claims that his inner circle concealed his health issues, labeling such accusations as unfounded .
However, Biden’s comments have been met with criticism from within the Democratic Party. David Plouffe, a former Obama adviser and key figure in Harris’s campaign, argued that Biden’s delayed withdrawal from the race undermined Harris’s chances against Trump. Plouffe contended that Biden’s insistence on running, despite evident cognitive decline, left Harris with insufficient time to mount an effective campaign .
Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the Democratic primary process would have been more robust had Biden announced his withdrawal earlier. She emphasized the importance of not dismissing female candidates in future elections, highlighting the success of women in leadership roles globally and domestically .
Columnist Arwa Mahdawi also weighed in, cautioning that attributing Harris’s defeat solely to sexism and racism might inadvertently reinforce the notion that America is not ready for a female president. Mahdawi argued that strategic missteps, including Harris’s close alignment with Biden’s unpopular policies, played a more significant role in the election outcome .
The fallout from Biden’s remarks underscores ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as it grapples with the aftermath of the 2024 election and strategizes for future contests.