Wow! Nobody expected to hear Hillary say this.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is making headlines after delivering some of her sharpest criticism yet of former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection in 2024.
During a public conversation with New Yorker editor David Remnick at New York’s 92nd Street Y, Clinton argued that Biden’s choice to remain in the race ultimately hurt both the Democratic Party and his own political legacy.
Her comments have reignited debate over one of the biggest political questions of the last election cycle: Could Democrats have performed better if Biden had stepped aside earlier?
Hillary Clinton Questions Biden’s 2024 Decision
Clinton said she believes Biden’s decision to pursue a second term prevented the Democratic Party from holding a competitive primary contest that could have introduced new candidates to voters.
According to Clinton, an open race might have allowed governors, senators, or other rising Democratic leaders to compete for the nomination and present a fresh vision for the party.
She described Biden’s decision as a major political miscalculation and suggested it contributed to the challenges Democrats faced during the 2024 presidential election.
The remarks represent one of the most direct critiques Clinton has offered regarding Biden’s campaign strategy.
A Different Tone Than Previous Support
Clinton’s comments stand in contrast to her earlier public statements.
In 2023, she praised Biden’s performance in office and expressed support for a second-term campaign if he chose to run.
Even after Biden’s heavily scrutinized debate performance against Donald Trump in 2024 sparked concern among Democratic voters and elected officials, Clinton continued to publicly support the president.
At the time, many Democrats remained divided over whether Biden should continue his campaign or pass the torch to a new generation of party leaders.
The Debate Over Biden’s Legacy
The discussion surrounding Biden’s reelection bid remains a significant topic within Democratic politics.
Supporters argue that Biden’s victory over Trump in 2020 demonstrated his ability to build a broad coalition of voters and defeat a strong Republican challenger.
Critics, however, contend that the party would have benefited from a more competitive nomination process and additional time to prepare a new candidate for the general election.
Clinton referenced Biden’s previous comments from 2020, when he suggested he could serve as a bridge to the next generation of Democratic leadership. She indicated that many Democrats expected a transition to younger leaders before the 2024 campaign cycle began.
Biden’s Exit and Harris’ Campaign
After weeks of growing pressure and intense public scrutiny, Biden announced on July 21, 2024, that he would end his reelection campaign.
His decision cleared the way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
Harris subsequently launched a fast-paced national campaign with just over three months remaining before Election Day, setting up a high-profile showdown with Donald Trump.
The rapid transition became one of the defining stories of the 2024 election and remains the subject of ongoing political analysis.
Why Clinton’s Comments Matter
As one of the most influential figures in modern Democratic politics, Clinton’s assessment carries significant weight.
Her remarks add to a growing conversation among political strategists, elected officials, and voters about how major parties select candidates, prepare future leaders, and navigate changing political landscapes.
With discussions about Biden’s presidency, Trump’s return to office, and the future direction of the Democratic Party continuing well into 2026, Clinton’s comments are likely to remain part of the broader debate over the lessons of the 2024 election.
WATCH:
Hillary Clinton said former President Joe Biden made a “terrible mistake” by running for reelection in 2024, arguing another Democratic nominee would have defeated President Trump had the party held a competitive primary.
“He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy and… pic.twitter.com/6yakfsCMfv
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 16, 2026
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