Former Chief of Staff Says Democrats’ Efforts to Push Out Biden Were ‘Nasty’
In a recent podcast interview, Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff, expressed his disappointment over the Democratic Party's efforts to push President Joe Biden out of the presidential race. He described these actions as “unfortunate, nasty and public,” arguing that they ultimately did a disservice to the president. Klain's comments come at a time when Vice President Kamala Harris is actively campaigning and fundraising, showing signs of closing the gap with Donald Trump in polling.
Discontent Within the Party
Klain voiced his concerns about the internal party dynamics, stating, “I was disappointed that people in the party called for [Biden] to leave the race, and I thought they got out of control.” He emphasized that the public nature of these calls was particularly damaging, suggesting that they undermined Biden's position and authority as the incumbent president.
Biden's Response to Criticism
Despite the mounting pressure, Klain praised Biden for handling the situation with grace. “I thought he handled it incredibly graciously and came up with a plan that is going to work for us in 2024,” he noted. This plan appears to involve a clear endorsement of Harris as the party's future leader, a move Klain believes is wise and necessary for party unity.
The Debate Fallout
The conversation also touched on Biden's performance during the first presidential debate in late June, which many viewed as a turning point. Klain acknowledged that Biden's appearance was frail and confused, failing to effectively counter Trump's misleading statements. “I thought the debate was an opportunity for the president to put some of these questions [about his age and fitness] to rest, but obviously [it] did not go well that night,” Klain reflected.
A Shift in Party Dynamics
As calls for Biden to step aside grew louder, supported by influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, Klain noted that Biden ultimately recognized the need for a change. “He made a decision that he couldn’t keep the party unified,” Klain explained, highlighting the necessity for a new direction.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Klain remains optimistic about the future. He believes that Harris is emerging as the consensus nominee, backed by strong support within the party. “I think that’s great,” he said, expressing confidence in the party's ability to move forward and win in the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, while Klain expressed dissatisfaction with how the party handled Biden's candidacy, he remains hopeful about the path ahead, emphasizing the importance of unity and strong leadership as the Democrats prepare for the 2024 election.