Kamala Harris Reveals Biden's 'Off' Debate Call
Official portrait of Vice President Kamala Harris., 2021. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Jackson. Public domain.
Kamala Harris dropped a bombshell on the "Diary of a CEO" podcast, revealing a moment that sent shockwaves through the 2024 presidential campaign. She reportedly said she knew something was seriously wrong with Joe Biden well before the now-infamous debate against Donald Trump. According to Harris, this wasn't just a gut feeling; it was a phone call from Biden himself during debate prep that laid bare his lack of fighting spirit and readiness. The revelation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into a pivotal turning point that foreshadowed the unraveling of Biden's reelection bid and set the stage for Harris's own dramatic rise.
A Phone Call That Changed Everything
The scene was set in mid-2024, as the campaign was heating up and the pressure was mounting. Biden, then 81, was preparing for a high-stakes debate against Trump. Harris, his vice president and running mate, was in the thick of it, watching and waiting. Then came the call from Biden, straight from debate camp. According to Harris, she "could tell something was a little off," as reported by PEOPLE. She could tell from his voice and tone that he wasn't just nervous. He was reluctant, almost defeated. Harris claims Biden "didn't want that debate." She believed he was "talked into it," despite his reservations.
This moment was more than just a phone call, Harris says. It was a signal of deeper issues — concerns about Biden's stamina, focus, and willingness to fight for his campaign. Harris explained that in any competition, whether in politics or sports, "you gotta want it," as reported by PEOPLE. "If you don't wanna be in the competition, it will absolutely have an impact on your performance," she continued. She was convinced Biden lacked that hunger going into the debate, and it showed on stage.
Watching a Historic Collapse Unfold
Harris was watching the debate from Los Angeles, surrounded by a small team ready to defend Biden's performance in the aftermath. She expected the usual slip-ups — "there is no such thing as a perfect debate," she said, as reported by PEOPLE. Biden stumbled, forgot key facts, and appeared feeble and scattered. The performance was widely panned as a disaster, a historic car crash that effectively ended his campaign momentum.
Harris's reaction was a mix of shock and resignation. She admitted she was stunned by how badly Biden fared, especially on critical issues like the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, during which he failed to acknowledge the 13 US service members who died, as reported by Fox News. She had been on Air Force Two during that tragedy and found his response deeply disappointing.
A Complicated Relationship Comes to Light
The podcast also peeled back the layers of Harris's complicated relationship with Biden. She recounted a frustrating phone call just before her own debate with Trump, where Biden warned her that people in Pennsylvania were criticizing her for supposedly "saying bad things about him," as reported by CNN. Harris expected encouragement but instead shared felt the call was self-serving, focused more on Biden's image than her success. She described feeling "angry, and deeply disappointed" by the interaction.
Despite these tensions, Harris said she still holds "affection" for Biden, as reported by CNN. She acknowledged moments when he greatly disappointed and angered her but maintained that their relationship endures. This candid admission adds a human dimension to the political drama, revealing the personal struggles behind the public facade.
The Weight of Recklessness and Responsibility
Harris's memoir, "107 Days," dives even deeper into the 2024 campaign's internal dynamics. She reflects on the collective mindset within the Biden administration, where everyone seemed "hypnotized" into believing Biden and Jill Biden should decide whether he ran again, as reported by PEOPLE. Harris calls this mindset reckless, including her own role in not challenging Biden's decision more forcefully.
This self-reflection underscores the high stakes and the heavy burden of responsibility Harris felt. She admits she should have spoken up sooner, recognizing the risks to the campaign and the country. "When I talk about the recklessness, as much as anything, I'm talking about myself," she said, as reported by PEOPLE. "There was so much, as we know, at stake. And as I write, you know, where my head was at, at the time, it would be completely... it would come off as completely self-serving."
Together, the memoir and podcast appearance paint a picture of a campaign grappling with denial and missed opportunities, culminating in a moment that changed everything.
What's Next for Harris?
With Biden's campaign effectively over after the debate, Harris stepped up to claim the Democratic nomination. Though she ultimately lost to Trump, she has not ruled out running for president again. Harris told the BBC that her grandnieces will see a woman elected president "in their lifetime, for sure," as reported by PEOPLE; and she hinted that she might be that woman.
Her journey from vice president to presidential candidate, marked by moments of doubt, disappointment, and determination, is a story of resilience and ambition. Harris's candid revelations about Biden's debate reluctance and her own evolving role add a fresh, intimate layer to the 2024 election saga.
The Legacy of a Debate That Changed History
Looking back, the June 2024 debate stands as a defining moment in recent political history. It exposed vulnerabilities in Biden's campaign and shifted the trajectory of the election. Harris's insider account offers a rare window into the human drama behind the headlines — the doubts, the fears, and the tough decisions.
This glimpse behind the curtain leaves us wondering what the next chapter holds for Kamala Harris and the future of American politics.
References: Kamala Harris Reveals When She Noticed Something 'Off' with Biden During 2024 Campaign | Kamala Harris opens up about 'complicated' relationship with Biden, including when he 'greatly disappointed' her | Harris says Biden 'didn't want' to debate Trump in 2024 presidential election | Here's When Kamala Harris Knew Joe Biden Was 'Off'
