Remarks on Harris’ Qualifications

Biden stated that he was not surprised by Harris’ loss, attributing it not to her qualifications but to prevalent sexism and racism. “I wasn’t surprised, not because I didn’t think the vice president was the most qualified person to be president … I wasn’t surprised because they went the route of — the sexist route, the whole route,” he remarked.

Success in Overcoming Challenges

The former president emphasized the challenges Harris faced, saying, “I’ve never seen quite as successful and consistent campaign, undercutting the notion that a woman couldn’t lead the country — and a woman of mixed race.”

Biden’s Outlook on 2024

In another part of the interview, Biden expressed his belief that he could have defeated Trump had he remained in the race, noting, “Yeah, he still got seven million fewer votes,” referencing the popular vote margin from the 2020 election.

Biden’s comments emerged after a period of relative silence from him, as he navigated his post-presidency role. Recently, he has returned to public attention, delivering speeches and engaging in discussions about the Democratic Party’s future.

Future of Biden and Harris

Despite uncertainty about Harris’ political ambitions, Biden indicated that they maintain an open line of communication. He acknowledged they had spoken just days prior to the interview and expressed his hopes for her ongoing involvement in significant political roles.

“She’s got a difficult decision to make about what she’s going to do. I hope she stays fully engaged,” Biden stated, underlining his respect for her capabilities amidst speculation regarding her potential gubernatorial or presidential aspirations in 2028.

Concerns from Progressives

Biden’s views did not appease some progressive factions within the party, with critics arguing that he and Harris should not have been the 2024 Democratic nominees. Adam Green, a co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, described Biden as being in “denial” regarding their electability.

Green added, “Voters demand authentic anti-establishment figures who will shake up a broken political system,” emphasizing a sentiment for change within the party.

Biden’s Relationship with Harris and Others

During the interview, Biden addressed his partnership with Harris, asserting that their collaboration involved significant debate and is a testament to a robust working relationship. He stated, “She was part of every success we had. We’d argue like hell, by the way.”

When asked about his relationship with other notable figures, including former President Barack Obama, Biden did not provide specific details but mentioned the importance of party unity and resolving internal divisions.