In a May 8, 2025, interview on ABC’s The View, former President Joe Biden attributed Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 election loss to President Donald Trump to sexism and racism. Biden, speaking publicly for the first time since leaving office in January, expressed no surprise at Harris’ defeat, insisting she was “the most qualified person to be president.” He criticized the Trump campaign’s tactics, saying, “They went the sexist route…undercutting the notion that a woman, and a woman of mixed race, couldn’t lead the country.” Biden’s comments echo sentiments from CNN’s David Axelrod, who noted racial and sexist biases impacted the race.
Biden, 82, took responsibility for Trump’s victory, citing his own late exit after a June 2024 debate performance raised concerns about his age. A January 2022 AP-NORC poll showed only 48% of Democrats wanted him to run again, reflecting party divisions. Harris, endorsed by Biden after he stepped aside, lost all seven swing states, despite mobilizing key Democratic constituencies like Black and Latino voters. Supporters argue she faced relentless attacks, including Trump’s 2020 “monster” label and false birtherism claims, which mirrored those against Barack Obama.
Critics, like Republican strategist Deana Bass Williams, argue the focus should be on policy failures, not identity-based attacks. Harris’ team has faced accusations of disloyalty, with some Democrats blaming Biden’s administration for concealing his frailties. As Harris considers a 2028 run or a California gubernatorial bid, Biden urged her to stay engaged, calling her “first-rate.” The debate over her loss highlights ongoing tensions over race, gender, and political strategy.
