Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton harshly criticized Joe Biden's decision to enter the 2024 presidential race. Clinton said the decision was a "terrible mistake" for Biden himself, his political legacy, and the country.
In an interview with David Remnick in Manhattan, Clinton recalled that Biden had previously said he would not run for reelection. She argued that if Biden had announced this plan by late 2023, a broader race could have taken place within the Democratic Party.
Clinton argued that if Biden had withdrawn, not only Kamala Harris but also a governor, senator, or another candidate could have emerged. The former secretary of state asserted that any such candidate could have defeated Donald Trump.
Biden came under pressure after a contentious televised debate with Trump in June 2024 and withdrew from the race a few weeks later. Democrats subsequently put forward Harris as their presidential candidate.
Clinton's remarks drew attention because she had publicly supported Biden during the election process. In June 2024, she posted that she would vote for Biden, backing him on issues like the economy and immigration.
Clinton also called for support for the Biden-Harris ticket in January 2024, emphasizing that the election was critical for democracy and reproductive rights. Therefore, her latest statement is being compared to her earlier stance during the election period.
There was no response from the Biden camp to Clinton's latest remarks. The statement has reignited debates within the Democratic Party regarding the 2024 election process.