- Biden calls 2024 election sexism-driven, defends Harris' qualifications
- Harris faces crossroads: California governorship or 2028 presidential bid
- Progressives criticize Biden-Harris ticket as 'out of touch' with voters
- Book-writing Biden remains vague about post-presidency political role
Former President Joe Biden’s recent appearance on ABC’s The View reignited debates about systemic barriers in U.S. politics. Addressing Vice President Kamala Harris’ failed 2024 presidential bid, Biden argued that overt sexism and racism – not policy shortcomings – determined the election outcome. I wasn't surprised because they went the sexist route,he stated, emphasizing Harris’ credentials as the most qualified person to be president.
This defense comes amid simmering tensions within Democratic ranks. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee recently lambasted the Biden-Harris ticket as emblematic of establishment politics, calling for authentic anti-establishment figuresto counter Trump-era Republicanism. Data from the Center for American Women in Politics shows only 35% of voters considered gender irrelevant when evaluating Harris – a 12-point drop from pre-election polls.
Harris’ potential gubernatorial run in California presents new complexities. While the state’s Democratic apparatus remains strong, recent PPIC surveys show 41% of likely voters prefer new leadership untainted by Washington politics.This sentiment echoes nationwide: A Brookings Institute analysis found 58% of midterm voters prioritized candidate freshness over experience.
The Biden-Harris working relationship remains a focal point. Despite the VP’s controversial campaign claim that she’d change nothing about their administration, Biden insists their debates strengthened governance: We'd argue like hell...that’s how good teams work.This contrasts with reports of strategic disagreements during the 2024 campaign’s final months.
As Democrats grapple with leadership questions, generational divides emerge. Younger activists increasingly cite AOC’s 2028 favorability (63% among under-35 Democrats) as proof the party needs radical reinvention. Meanwhile, Biden’s memoir-in-progress and Harvard appearances suggest he’ll remain a party elder – though specifics about his role remain undefined.
California’s political landscape offers crucial insights. Harris’ potential gubernatorial bid would follow Gavin Newsom’s term-limited exit, facing challenges from tech-sector progressives and Central Valley moderates. San Francisco Chronicle polling shows Harris trailing Newsom-endorsed candidate Eleni Kounalakis by 9 points in hypothetical matchups – a gap attributed to Harris’ nationalized political brand.
Biden’s commentary on Trump’s Social Security policies reveals deeper strategy concerns. While the former president highlights his 2020 popular vote margin (7 million votes), progressives argue this nostalgia ignores current realities. 2024 wasn’t about 2020 metrics,said DSA organizer Maria Fernandez. Healthcare and housing costs now outweigh abstract democracy debates.
The Democratic identity crisis extends beyond personnel. Biden’s vague response about Barack Obama’s alleged concerns underscores party figurehead tensions. As former RNC chair Michael Steele notes: When ex-presidents critique successors, it signals systemic dysfunction – not personal rivalries.