In a candid interview with BBC Radio, former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton weighed in on President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential Hillary Clinton remarked that Biden “did the right thing” after his underwhelming debate performance against Donald Trump earlier this year, acknowledging the toll it took on his campaign.
“I was with him a week before that disastrous debate and saw no reason why he should step down,” Hillary Clinton told BBC Today presenter Amol Rajan. However, she added, “once that debate happened, he could not recover and he did the right thing.” Hillary Clinton’s remarks come as Joe Biden’s exit has reshaped the political landscape, setting the stage for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Hillary Clinton Endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Candidate
Hillary Clinton has expressed her full support for Kamala Harris, who took over as the Democratic presidential candidate following Biden’s withdrawal. Calling on voters to unite behind Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton emphasized the high stakes in the upcoming election, describing it as pivotal for the future of American democracy.
In her interview, Hillary Clinton described Kamala Harris as the key figure to “defeat Donald Trump and break the fever that he has caused in our political system.” The election, Hillary Clinton added, will determine the direction of the country on critical issues like U.S. support for Ukraine, Middle East diplomacy, and broader foreign policy agendas. Hillary Clinton’s endorsement signals a crucial moment for the Democratic Party, as Kamala Harris faces the challenge of overcoming Trump’s significant base of support.
Hillary Clinton Criticizes Trump’s Policies on Immigration and Foreign Relations
During the BBC interview, Hillary Clinton was also highly critical of Donald Trump’s platform, particularly his stance on immigration and the war in Ukraine. She condemned Trump’s promise to initiate mass deportations if re-elected, calling the policy “draconian” and discriminatory. His vice-presidential candidate JD Vance suggested that they would begin with deporting one million undocumented immigrants, a plan that Hillary Clinton views as an authoritarian overreach.
Clinton also questioned Trump’s foreign policy, noting that his close relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wavering support for Ukraine are dangerous. Trump has previously hinted at cutting U.S. aid to Ukraine, raising concerns among Clinton and other Democrats about the future of global security if he is re-elected. “This election has global consequences,” Clinton remarked, pointing to Trump’s unpredictable approach to diplomacy.
The Democratic Party’s Messaging Challenges and Clinton’s Reflections
While Clinton is staunchly behind Kamala Harris, she admitted that the Democratic Party faces significant challenges in effectively communicating its message to voters. Clinton acknowledged that many Americans feel overlooked or economically disadvantaged, which has driven support for Trump. “I think our problem is frankly we are not the most effective messengers,” she said, accepting her share of responsibility for the party’s shortcomings.
Clinton also reflected on the current political climate, noting how the rise of social media and a demand for sensationalism have made it more difficult for politicians to focus on policy. “It is hard in a time when politicians are expected to be more entertaining,” she said, lamenting the pressures on leaders to break through with controversial or attention-grabbing statements rather than pursuing substantive change.
With the election just weeks away, polls show a tight race between Harris and Trump, with key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania likely to determine the outcome. Clinton, a seasoned veteran of presidential politics, continues to be a prominent voice in the Democratic Party, urging voters to consider the far-reaching implications of this pivotal election
