Newsom embraces Biden in run-up to 2028 primary

Hillary Clinton has publicly criticized former President Joe Biden for deciding to seek re-election in 2024, calling it a “terrible mistake” that she believes cost the Democratic Party the presidency. Speaking at New York’s 92nd Street Y in an interview with New Yorker editor David Remnick, Clinton expressed frustration over Biden’s decision to run again, arguing that it undermined both his legacy and the chances of defeating Donald Trump. She emphasized that if Biden had stepped aside and allowed a competitive primary, the eventual nominee—whether it was Vice President Kamala Harris, a governor, or a senator—would have had a better chance of beating Trump.

Clinton pointed to Biden’s 2020 statement where he described himself as a “bridge” to the next generation of Democratic leadership. While he never formally pledged to retire after one term, Clinton argued that this sentiment was widely interpreted as such. She suggested that had Biden announced his withdrawal in the late summer of 2023, a genuine contest would have ensued, giving the party a stronger candidate to face Trump. Instead, she claims, Biden’s insistence on staying in the race created a situation where the eventual nominee—Kamala Harris—was forced into a difficult position, having little time to build her own platform or distance herself from an increasingly unpopular incumbent.

The criticism comes amid growing internal debates within the Democratic Party about the challenges faced by Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. After Biden’s poor performance in the June 2024 debate against Trump, which many observers believed signaled cognitive decline, Harris was thrust into the spotlight with just 107 days until the election. Clinton noted that many within the party attempted to convince Biden to step down, but she said these efforts were met with “total denial” from both Biden and his inner circle. According to her account, Biden eventually relented only when presented with polling data showing his declining favorability.

Clinton also highlighted the difficulties faced by Harris as the sitting vice president. She argued that a candidate emerging from a primary process—such as a governor or senator—would have had greater flexibility to criticize the incumbent without facing the same backlash. However, she noted that many Democrats were reluctant to speak critically of Biden, especially since he had personally selected Harris as his running mate.

The scrutiny surrounding Biden’s re-election bid has intensified in recent months, particularly after revelations from former First Lady Jill Biden. In an interview promoting her memoir, View from the East Wing, Jill Biden admitted she was frightened by her husband’s performance during the June 2024 debate, fearing he might have been having a stroke. Despite this, she encouraged him to stay in the race. These comments have fueled further discussion about the mental and physical health of the president, as well as the role of his wife in influencing his decisions.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a markedly different approach, choosing to embrace Biden rather than distance himself from the former president. Unlike many other potential Democratic candidates, Newsom has actively courted Biden and his family, publicly defending his legacy and character. In interviews and speeches, Newsom has praised Biden’s ability to work across the aisle and his moral stature, contrasting it with what he describes as Donald Trump’s “childishness.”

Newsom has also cultivated close ties with Hunter Biden, hosting him on his podcast and allowing the former president’s son to hint at future political collaborations. This relationship has raised eyebrows, given that Hunter Biden has previously been embroiled in legal controversies. Nevertheless, Newsom maintains that supporting Biden is essential for maintaining unity within the party and appealing to key voter demographics, particularly Black and Latino communities, who remain more favorable toward Biden than the general population.

As the 2028 presidential primary approaches, the divide between those who support Biden and those who oppose his continued presence in politics continues to widen. While Newsom sees value in aligning with the former president, others, like Kamala Harris, have been more critical of his tenure. Harris’s book, 107 Days, included sharp critiques of Biden’s decision to run for re-election, prompting a terse response from Jill Biden during a recent media appearance.

With the Democratic Party still grappling with its post-2024 losses and internal divisions, the path forward remains uncertain. Whether Biden will remain a central figure in the party or if a new generation of leaders will emerge depends largely on how the party chooses to navigate its current challenges. For now, the voices of figures like Hillary Clinton and Gavin Newsom reflect the deepening rifts and evolving strategies shaping the future of American politics.