President Joe Biden’s assertion that he would have won the 2024 presidential election, had he not withdrawn from the race, has reportedly created tension with Vice President Kamala Harris, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Sources told the WSJ that Harris has expressed “deep sadness” to those close to her over the election loss and Biden’s suggestion that he could have secured reelection. Despite Harris’ decision not to criticize or distance herself from Biden during her campaign, his statements highlight what some close to Harris describe as “one-sided loyalty.”
In an interview with USA Today in January, Biden stated, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes, based on the polling,” when asked if he could have won the election. He also reportedly expressed confidence in Harris, telling the WSJ she “could have beaten [President-elect Donald] Trump, would have beaten Trump.”
Kirsten Allen, a spokesperson for Harris, countered speculation about their relationship by emphasizing their enduring bond, saying, “Biden and Harris have developed a close working relationship as governing partners, but they have also built a strong friendship that continues today.”
Harris avoided criticizing Biden throughout her campaign. Speaking to reporters before the election, she maintained that “vice presidents are not critical of their presidents.” In an October interview on The View, she stated that nothing came to mind when asked if she would have approached her role differently than Biden.
Biden initially announced plans to seek reelection but withdrew in July, endorsing Harris after pressure from Democratic Party members who encouraged him to step aside following his June 27 debate performance against Trump. Trump’s decisive victory over Harris in November included wins in the popular vote, electoral college, and all seven swing states.
Speculation about Biden and Harris’ relationship has grown since the election. In December, the WSJ reported that Biden still believed he could have won but did not see his belief as a critique of Harris’ campaign.
On January 6, Harris presided over a joint session of Congress to certify Trump’s electoral victory. Trump is set to return to the presidency on January 20.
