President Joe Biden recently declared that both he and Vice President Kamala Harris could have defeated Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, even as Trump’s resounding victory highlighted the challenges within the Democratic Party.
“I think I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump and would have beaten Trump,” Biden told reporters during a press conference. His remarks, intended to bolster confidence in the Democratic Party’s leadership, have instead drawn criticism for their disconnect from the reality of the election outcome.
A Confidence Misplaced?
Biden’s comments come after a tumultuous 2024 campaign cycle. Initially seeking re-election, Biden faced mounting concerns about his age, cognitive performance, and ability to energize the Democratic base. His struggles in early debates with Trump led to widespread dissatisfaction among party insiders. Ultimately, Biden stepped aside, throwing his support behind Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Despite his endorsement, Harris failed to secure the presidency, losing to Trump in a decisive electoral and popular vote. Critics argue that Biden’s delayed withdrawal from the race may have left Harris unprepared to mount a competitive campaign, further undermining the party’s chances.
A Flawed Strategy
Many Democratic strategists have suggested that Biden’s decision to initially run for re-election prevented the party from conducting a robust primary process. “Biden’s insistence on running stifled opportunities for fresh, younger leadership to emerge and for the party to rally around a stronger candidate,” said one senior Democratic aide.
Harris, while serving as vice president, struggled to gain traction with voters, facing criticism for her handling of key issues like the border crisis and her public communication style. Her campaign failed to address these weaknesses effectively, leading to her defeat.
Deflecting Blame
Biden defended his withdrawal decision as an effort to “unify the party” and avoid internal divisions. However, critics view this as an attempt to deflect responsibility for the party’s broader failures. “Biden’s withdrawal may have been too little, too late,” said political analyst Chris Stirewalt. “By the time he stepped aside, the party was already fractured, and Harris was untested on the national stage.”
Democratic Soul-Searching
The 2024 loss has sparked intense debates within the Democratic Party about its leadership, messaging, and direction. Progressive and moderate factions remain at odds over the best path forward, with growing calls for a new generation of leaders to take the reins.
Biden’s assertion that he and Harris could have beaten Trump, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, risks alienating party members who believe that fundamental change is necessary. “The Democrats need to take a hard look in the mirror,” said one Democratic strategist. “Pretending everything is fine won’t win elections.”
Looking Ahead
As Biden nears the end of his presidency, his legacy is increasingly tied to the party’s ability to recover from the 2024 loss. Meanwhile, Harris faces an uphill battle in maintaining her influence within the Democratic Party, as critics question her leadership capabilities and political instincts.
For now, Biden’s insistence that he and Harris could have defeated Trump rings hollow for many observers, serving as a reminder of the party’s missed opportunities and strategic missteps. Whether the Democrats can regroup and regain public trust remains an open question.