Hillary Clinton has said that President Joe Biden’s decision to run for a second term in 2024 was a significant political miscalculation that ultimately contributed to Democrats losing the presidency.
Speaking at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan on Monday, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee argued that Biden’s earlier intention to step aside should have led to an open primary process within the Democratic Party.
Remarks
Clinton said Biden’s decision to remain in the race “was a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy, and for the country.” She added that the outcome of the 2024 election might have been different if he had announced earlier that he would not seek re-election.
According to Clinton, an open contest in late 2023 could have allowed another Democratic candidate to emerge through a competitive primary process.
Primary Argument
Clinton suggested that a full primary would have produced a stronger nominee, stating that “whoever emerged from that contest, whether it was the vice president or a governor or a senator or anybody else, would have beaten Donald Trump.”
She characterized Biden’s decision to stay in the race as a “miscalculation” that limited the party’s options heading into the general election.
2024 Election Context
Biden ultimately ended his re-election campaign in July 2024 following a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump. He was later replaced as the Democratic nominee by Vice President Kamala Harris in August.
Harris went on to lose the general election to Trump later that year.
Broader Debate
Clinton’s comments come amid ongoing analysis within the Democratic Party about the causes of the 2024 election defeat. A 2025 report from the organization Way to Win cited several factors, including voter concerns about the economy, Republican advantages in media messaging, and internal divisions over issues such as immigration and foreign policy.
Separate internal assessments have also pointed to longer-term structural challenges for Democrats, including declining performance in multiple levels of government over recent election cycles.
Biden Decision
Clinton said that once Biden indicated he would not step aside and later chose to remain in the race, the party faced a difficult strategic position.
“When he didn’t move and did not admit that he had said he was going to step aside and then decided not to, we were in a terrible dilemma,” she said.
Ongoing Discussion
The remarks add to continued debate within Democratic circles over campaign strategy, candidate selection, and messaging leading into the 2024 election cycle.
Party leaders and analysts continue to assess how those factors influenced the outcome and what changes may be needed going forward.
FAQs
What did Hillary Clinton say about Biden’s 2024 run?
She said it was a mistake that hurt Democrats’ chances.
When did Biden end his re-election campaign?
In July 2024 after a debate performance against Trump.
Who replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee?
Vice President Kamala Harris.
Who won the 2024 election?
Donald Trump won the general election.
Where did Clinton make her remarks?
At the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.
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