Biden Endorses Harris to Forge Her Own Path in 2024 Race
PHILADELPHIA — President Joe Biden declared on Tuesday that Kamala Harris will "cut her own path" if she wins the 2024 election, signaling a strategic separation between himself and the vice president as she aims to win over undecided voters just three weeks ahead of Election Day.
“Kamala will take the country in her own direction, and that’s one of the most important differences in this election,” Biden stated. He contrasted Harris’ fresh perspective on the nation’s challenges with what he characterized as Donald Trump’s outdated and dishonest views.
Biden’s remarks could grant Harris the freedom to define her political and policy positions in this crucial final stretch of the campaign, suggesting a more pronounced divide than she has publicly indicated. Sources close to Harris have expressed frustrations over Biden’s focus on his legacy rather than their campaign.
As the vice president faces increasing pressure to clarify her distinct governing style compared to Biden, the task proves more complex than it might appear. Despite Biden’s low favorability ratings, key elements of his legislative agenda – such as infrastructure development and prescription drug pricing – remain popular, and any divergence from his foreign policy amidst global turmoil could be seen as reckless.
Harris has been cautious about appearing disloyal to Biden, who elevated her from a senator to vice president and endorsed her when he exited the race in July. While she has downplayed differences by asserting, “I’m not Joe Biden,” specific distinctions between their approaches have remained scarce. Nonetheless, she promotes herself as a candidate of change, appealing to a younger generation compared to both Biden and Trump.
In a recent interview, Harris responded to inquiries about Biden’s decisions by stating she couldn’t identify any actions she would have approached differently, a comment that has been seized upon by Trump at various gatherings. However, she did mention that she would consider appointing a Republican to her Cabinet if elected.
On Tuesday, Biden addressed a lively crowd at the Sheet Metal Workers International Association in Philadelphia, showing support for local candidates, including Senator Bob Casey. The event featured attendees dressed in button-down shirts and kente cloths, enjoying a meal surrounded by patriotic decorations.
"Every president has to cut their own path, that’s what I did,” Biden told the audience, which erupted in chants of “Thank you, Joe!” He reflected on his own loyalty to Barack Obama while emphasizing the independence Harris would exercise as president.
Biden’s comments carried added significance given his limited political engagements since stepping away from the 2024 race, a decision he described as necessary for the country.
“When I decided it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, I knew who I wanted to replace me,” he remarked.
He also targeted Trump directly, labeling him a loser and criticizing the Republican nominee for his refusal to accept the outcomes of the 2020 election and his role in promoting falsehoods regarding the electoral process.
“Every generation faces a moment where democracy has to be defended,” Biden asserted. “This is our moment.”
