Hillary Clinton Says Joe Biden Made ‘Terrible Mistake’ Running for Reelection

Hillary Clinton has openly criticised former President Joe Biden’s decision to run for re-election at the age of 81, claiming it was a “terrible mistake” that significantly impacted his legacy and the Democratic Party’s chances in the forthcoming elections. The remarks were made during a recent event at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, where Clinton spoke with The New Yorker editor David Remnick.

Clinton indicated that Biden’s decision allowed Donald Trump to potentially reclaim the presidency. She expressed her belief that had Biden adhered to his initial intention of “passing the torch to the next generation,” the Democratic Party could have fostered a more competitive primary race that might have produced a candidate capable of defeating Trump.

“It was a terrible miscalculation on the part of President Biden,” Clinton stated. She recounted the disappointment within party ranks when Biden did not step aside as previously suggested. “We found ourselves in a terrible dilemma,” she added, reflecting on the internal discussions about succession that took place within the party.

After a lacklustre debate performance against Trump in June 2024, Biden ultimately withdrew from the presidential race a month later. Despite assertions from Biden’s team that he had never explicitly promised to serve only one term, the fallout from the debate was significant. First Lady Jill Biden later revealed her concern for her husband’s wellbeing during that debate, stating that she was initially alarmed, fearing he might be seriously ill, as his behaviour and speech appeared alarming.

Clinton, while acknowledging Jill Biden’s perspective, recounted her own reaction as one of disbelief. She speculated that Biden might have been affected by medication during the debate, which led to his awkward performance.

In the wake of his withdrawal, Vice President Kamala Harris attempted to rally support from the party’s elite. Despite the backing of the party, including endorsements, her campaign fell short, leading to disappointment in the November elections. Clinton remarked that the constraints imposed by Biden’s withdrawal timeline adversely affected Harris’s campaign. “She found herself really in a difficult position trying to run as the sitting vice president while also separating herself from the sitting president,” Clinton observed.

Biden’s re-election bid faced little serious challenge from within the party prior to his decision to withdraw. Concerns regarding his age and mental acuity were already prevalent among some Democrats and Republicans alike. During her conversation with Remnick, Clinton pointedly remarked on the lack of intervention from key Democratic figures, such as Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, to persuade Biden to step back.

Reflecting on the inner workings of Biden’s decision-making, Clinton shared that numerous private conversations had taken place, including her own participation. Despite their attempts, she mentioned that there was no feasible way to convince him publicly to reconsider his candidacy.

As a closing observation on the tumultuous political landscape, Clinton stated, “It’s over. It’s behind us. I don’t think it’s useful to keep beating that horse,” implying a desire to move forward from the events that transpired. Remnick light-heartedly responded with a quip about the traditional symbol of the Democratic Party, to which Clinton playfully replied.

Amidst a challenging climate for the Democratic Party, the repercussions of Biden’s decision remain a topic of considerable discussion. As the political landscape shifts, Clinton’s insights on the past election campaign highlight the strategic complexities facing the Democrats as they adjust to the changing tides of American politics.