Kamala Harris Reflects on Biden's 2024 Presidential Bid Decision

Mon Oct 27 2025 09:45:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kamala Harris expresses concern over not advising Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, revealing her thoughts during a BBC interview.

In a recent BBC interview, former Vice President Kamala Harris shared her concerns regarding her decision not to urge President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. She reflected on her hesitation and questioned whether her lack of action stemmed from grace or recklessness. The discussion arises amidst ongoing debates about Biden's capabilities and the demands of campaigning, particularly against a strong opponent like Donald Trump. Harris indicated that while she has ruled out other political positions, the possibility of a future presidential run remains open.

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris has expressed concern that she did not ask Joe Biden to pull out of the race for the White House.

In an interview with the BBC for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she stated, I do reflect on whether I should have had a conversation with him, urging him not to run for re-election. Following months of speculation about his health and mental acuity, President Biden withdrew from the race in July 2024 after a disappointing debate performance against Donald Trump.

Harris, who assumed the Democratic nomination but eventually lost to Trump, revealed in her book about her campaign that she did not convey her concerns about Biden's ability to continue, nor did he bring it up with her.

In her book, 107 Days, she asserted that Biden's decision to run should not have been influenced by personal ambitions. She remarked, perhaps she should have brought the issue up with him.

During the interview, she elaborated, questioning whether her inaction was due to grace or the fear of appearing self-interested. She acknowledged her concern was not Biden's capability as president but his stamina and energy for the rigors of a national campaign.

Harris articulated the importance of distinguishing between holding the office and the demands of running for it, stressing that competing against Trump would be particularly challenging. She was cautious about raising the subject with Biden, fearing it would be perceived as a maneuver to promote her own political ambitions.

The broader discourse around Biden's candidacy has intensified, with many speculating whether more voices in his circle should have challenged his decision to run again. Harris noted that allegations have surfaced claiming that his aides concealed his health issues, a sentiment denied by Biden's team, who assert there was no significant evidence affecting his capabilities.

Now promoting her new book in the UK, Harris hinted that she is open to running for the presidency again, stating she is not done with public service, while discounting aspirations for the governor's office in California.