As widely reported (for instance, here), Kamala Harris has admitted that she and other Democrats were “reckless[]” in deferring to President Biden about whether he should run for reelection. As she said in her new book, “The stakes were simply too high. This wasn’t a choice that should have been left to an individual’s ego, an individual’s ambition. It should have been more than a personal decision.”
I couldn’t agree more. The 2024 election was very likely the most consequential election for the future of the United States since the election of 1860 that brought Abraham Lincoln to the White House. And everyone knew it.
Yet Ms. Harris and other Democrats stood aside as Biden, his family, and his staff deluded themselves into thinking that, despite his obvious infirmities, he could win (and that he would be able to govern for another four years). It was not until the disastrous debate (and not even then, actually) that the Democrats realized that the house was on fire and something needed to be done. Even then, they dithered around for a while trying to figure out how to do what needed to be done, and then they landed on Ms. Harris, a weak candidate who was the logical choice because there wasn’t time for a real candidate selection process. Of course, we know the outcome.
Ms. Harris’ display of candor is nice (even though very late and seemingly contrived to sell copies of her book). But although her candor is admirable, it doesn’t offset the fact that she has admitted to grievous recklessness and incompetence in responding to the crisis that was Donald Trump’s 2024 candidacy. Such recklessness and incompetence should be disqualifying for any future electoral office. It’s time for her to go away.
Tags: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Trump