Clinton Critiques Biden’s 2024 Decision Amidst Election Concerns

Hillary Clinton expressed her concerns about President Biden’s decision to seek re-election, suggesting it could lead to a Democratic loss against Donald Trump in 2024 during an interview with David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of the New Yorker.

Clinton described Biden’s choice to run again as a “terrible mistake,” asserting that the Democratic Party might have secured a win if he had opted out, paving the way for a more competitive primary. “He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy, and his country,” Clinton remarked, noting that Biden had previously indicated he wouldn’t run again before reversing that decision.

“If he had maintained that initial stance and announced in the summer of ’23 that he wouldn’t pursue another term to allow new leadership to emerge, I genuinely believe we could have had a real campaign,” she added. Clinton argued that any candidate emerging from such a primary, be it a vice president, governor, or senator, could have triumphed over Trump.

In the discussion, Clinton highlighted that Democratic leaders couldn’t openly convince Biden to withdraw, mentioning his eventual consideration of stepping down came only after reacting to polling results and following a disastrous public moment—specifically referencing a June 2024 debate incident where Biden faltered and inaccurately claimed no servicemembers died during the Afghanistan withdrawal.

When pressed by Remnick about whether there were attempts to dissuade Biden from seeking re-election, Clinton said, “I know some people who have tried that, and they have faced complete disapproval from him and his inner circle.” She noted a prevailing belief in the White House that Biden would win again.

Regarding that debate, she said the mood shifted to disbelief among Biden’s team after the event, adding that her initial reaction was to wonder if he had taken any medication for an illness. Clinton did acknowledge that Biden’s age could create hurdles for his re-election bid, although he hadn’t viewed it as a major issue at the time.

Clinton remarked, “His age matters, and people have a right to consider that,” referring to concerns that arose after Biden fell down the stairs. Despite this, she conveyed hope for his campaign, emphasizing his accomplishments and determination. “I’m hopeful he can stay focused and remain in the race, as I think he has a real chance to win,” she stated.

Biden ultimately withdrew from the race in July 2024, endorsing Kamala Harris, the then-Vice President, as the Democratic nominee. After his resignation, the party opted against holding an open primary.

A partly leaked document from the Democratic National Convention’s review of Harris’s campaign revealed missing key themes, including women’s sports, inflation, and health initiatives—elements that seemed critical for the election.