Biden attributes Harris' defeat to sexism and racism, dismisses age-related criticisms
** revised article**
Hosts of "The View" chat with Joe Biden and Jill Biden about the 2022 elections, Joe's responsibility for Trump's win, and Harris' setbacks.
NEW YORK — Joe Biden, the former U.S. president, claimed responsibility for Donald Trump's 2022 victory but attributed at least part of Kamala Harris' losses to sexism and racism during a candid discussion on ABC's "The View."
Biden, 82, explained his decision to remain silent until Trump completed over 100 days in office, a tradition following a transition in the White House.
Asked about the 2022 elections, Biden admitted to being taken aback by the impact of gender and race in the contest.
"They resorted to sexist tactics," Biden said, referring to the criticism against Harris' ability to lead the country as a woman of mixed heritage.
He continued, "I was in charge, but he managed to win—so I accept blame."
Biden has minimized his involvement in national politics since leaving the White House, focusing on a new wave of Democratic leadership. Nevertheless, he acknowledged maintaining regular contact with Harris and offering guidance on her future political moves.
"She's got a tough choice to make about her next steps. I hope she stays engaged," Biden said, avoiding disclosing his exact advice.
When addressing questions about his cognitive decline, Biden dismissed concerns raised following a poor debate performance last year. He also declined to criticize the Democratic leaders who urged him to abandon his run.
"The only reason I ended my campaign was to avoid a divided Democratic party," Biden explained, adding that the broader party remained supportive, disregarding doubts following the "disastrous" debate.
Thursday's interview marked Biden's first joint appearance with Jill Biden since leaving the White House. Jill refuted claims that she had created a protective bubble around her husband to shield him from scrutiny about his age.
"It was particularly hurtful, especially coming from some of our 'friends,'" Jill stated, defending her close relationship with her husband.
"I was with Joe day and night...and I did not create a cocoon around him. You saw him in the Oval Office, making speeches, and he wasn't hiding," she argued.
Meanwhile, Biden didn't mince words when the talk shifted to Trump's performance in office.
"He's had the worst 100 days any president has ever had," Biden said.
Steve Peoples, The Associated Press
Key points to consider
- Harris did not lose in the 2022 general election - she was Vice President elect.
- If referring to the 2020 Democratic primary, it's not documented that Biden provided a detailed claim about sexism and racism's role in Harris's primary loss. However, he has supported Harris as a capable leader and acknowledged the challenges women of color face in politics.
- Joe Biden when asked about Kamala Harris' losses during his interview on ABC's "The View" attributed some of them to sexism and racism.
- Biden contended that the criticism against Harris, including comments questioning her ability to lead as a woman of mixed heritage, were sexist tactics.
- In the 2022 elections, the impact of gender and race caught Biden off guard.
- Despite taking a backseat in national politics since leaving the White House, Joe Biden has maintained regular contact with Vice President Harris and offered guidance on her future political moves.
- There's an ongoing discussion about Biden's role in Donald Trump's win in 2022, as Biden himself has claimed responsibility.
- The consequences of gender and race played a significant part in the 2022 elections according to Joe Biden's assessment.
- Controversy surrounding Joe Biden's age and the creation of a protective bubble around him during his time in the White House was addressed by Jill Biden in the joint interview with her husband.
- Beyond discussions about his involvement in national politics and his own performance, Joe Biden didn't hold back when criticizing Donald Trump's performance in office, remarking that Trump had the worst first 100 days of any president.
