Biden Touts Harris' Political Future as Speculation Swirls
President Joe Biden reassured Vice President Kamala Harris at a Democratic National Committee (DNC) event in Washington, D.C., amid growing speculation about her future in politics.
Biden firmly expressed his support for Harris at a holiday reception, telling her she was “not going anywhere,” while Harris privately considered her political options beyond the 2024 election, as the Daily Wire reports.
During a festive DNC reception, Biden and Vice Harris took the stage together to speak to a crowd of supporters. Biden used the occasion to dismiss rumors surrounding Harris's future following his withdrawal from the 2024 race. In a lighthearted moment, Biden told Harris, “You’re not going anywhere, kid, because we’re not going to let you go,” prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
This show of solidarity came after months of speculation about Harris’s political career. With Biden's decision to step aside earlier in the year following his loss to Trump in a 2024 debate, Harris became the Democratic Party nominee for president.
Before Biden's remarks, Harris spoke to the crowd, attempting to quell concerns among her supporters. “We are not defeated,” Harris told them. “Let’s be clear about that. We are strong.” She also emphasized the importance of perseverance, adding, “I promise you I will be with you every step of the way.” The vice president’s words aimed to energize the party as it approached the final stretch of the campaign season.
Following the election, in which Donald Trump eventually defeated Harris, her political future became the subject of intense speculation. Sources close to Harris revealed that, although she had privately expressed her interest in pursuing other options, including potentially running for California governor in 2026, she was also open to a future presidential run. According to CNN’s Edward-Isaac Dovere, Harris told supporters, “You haven’t seen the last of me. I’m not going quietly into the night.”
Harris’ Potential Future in California Politics
Harris' allies have made it clear that they do not want her final political act to be certifying Trump’s victory. They believe that if she were to run for California governor in 2026, she would have a strong chance of winning.
However, the landscape for the California governor’s race is already crowded, with several Democrats actively campaigning for the position. Polling suggests that Harris could have an edge over other potential candidates, though the state’s political dynamics could make such a race more complicated.
There are concerns within her inner circle, however, that a run for governor may jeopardize her chances in the 2028 presidential race. If Harris were to run for governor, she would likely need to announce her candidacy soon, which could potentially derail any future presidential ambitions.
Moreover, some close to her believe that the Democratic Party’s evolving dynamics could make a 2028 bid for president challenging, particularly if she faces competition from a more favorable field of candidates.
While Harris has not made any definitive decisions, her advisers are quick to remind her supporters that she has not given up on the possibility of a future presidential run. Some argue that the circumstances of her 2024 campaign were not entirely within her control and that she deserves another shot at the White House in 2028.
Challenges in Harris’ Path to 2028 Presidential Run
In addition to her 2024 loss, Harris faces other hurdles that could make a future bid for the presidency difficult. The Democratic Party’s shifting priorities, along with competition from other prominent Democrats, could mean that Harris would not have a clear path to the nomination. While she retains a strong base of supporters, many fear that her failed 2024 presidential run will tarnish her prospects in the 2028 race.
Biden’s recent comments were a clear attempt to deflect the growing narrative about Harris’s future. By reaffirming his confidence in her abilities and leadership, Biden sought to quash speculation that Harris might step away from politics entirely. He emphasized that he trusted her judgment and would continue to rely on her as a critical partner in their administration.
Harris' supporters, too, have expressed their concerns about how a loss in 2024 could impact her political trajectory. For now, it seems that the vice president is focused on maintaining her influence within the Democratic Party, even if her future political aspirations remain uncertain.
Will Harris Remain in Spotlight?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her political future, Kamala Harris continues to be an influential figure within the Democratic Party. Her vocal support for Biden’s administration and her role in key policy decisions have solidified her position as a significant leader within the party. However, the path ahead may not be as straightforward as many had hoped when she first joined the Biden ticket in 2020.
Her allies argue that Harris has yet to receive a fair shot, citing the challenges she faced during the 2024 campaign and the tough political climate she was up against. Yet, even as the speculation about her future grows louder, Harris remains determined to be an active and impactful member of the party.
In the end, what is clear is that the political landscape for Kamala Harris is far from settled. Whether she will run for governor in California, seek another presidential bid, or remain an influential figure in other capacities is still up in the air.
For now, Harris continues to fight alongside her allies, proving that she has no intention of fading quietly into the background.