Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is publicly criticizing former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection, arguing that his choice ultimately damaged both his political legacy and the Democratic Party’s chances in the 2024 election.
In a recent interview, Clinton offered one of the strongest rebukes yet from a prominent Democrat regarding Biden’s decision to remain in the race despite growing concerns about his age and fitness for office.
“He made a terrible mistake. He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy, and for the country,” Clinton said.
The comments mark a significant shift from the position many Democratic leaders maintained during Biden’s presidency.
For years, party officials and allies defended Biden against criticism over his age, frequently dismissing concerns about his health, stamina and cognitive abilities.
Following Biden’s difficult debate performance against President Donald Trump in 2024, however, pressure intensified within Democratic circles for him to withdraw from the race.
Biden eventually stepped aside and endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris, but only months before Election Day.
Clinton argued that an earlier departure would have given Democrats an opportunity to conduct a competitive primary and potentially nominate a stronger candidate.
“Very sadly, I believe 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,” Clinton said.
Her remarks come as Democrats continue to debate the causes of their 2024 defeat and the decisions that led to Trump’s return to the White House.
Clinton had previously defended Biden following his widely criticized debate performance and urged Democrats to remain united behind the incumbent president.
Her latest comments therefore represent a notable break from that earlier position.
She is not the only Democrat who has reportedly expressed frustration with Biden’s decision to seek another term.
Numerous party strategists, former administration officials and Democratic insiders have increasingly suggested that Biden’s decision placed the party at a significant disadvantage.
Reports have also indicated that some prominent Democrats privately questioned whether Biden should have remained in the race.
The timing of Clinton’s criticism has drawn additional attention because it came just days before she appeared alongside Biden at the opening ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
The event featured many of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable figures, including former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several prominent donors and supporters.
Officially, the gathering was intended to celebrate Obama’s presidential legacy and the completion of the long-awaited center.
However, Clinton’s comments prompted renewed focus on lingering divisions and disagreements within the Democratic Party, per the Conservative Brief.
Photographs from the ceremony circulated widely on social media, with users closely examining interactions between various political figures.
Some commentators speculated that visible tension existed between members of the party’s leadership.
Clinton’s remarks also renewed criticism of Democratic leaders, donors and media organizations that spent years defending Biden against concerns that later became central issues during the campaign.
As Democrats continue evaluating what went wrong in 2024, Clinton’s comments signal that the internal debate over Biden’s political future—and responsibility for the party’s defeat—is far from over.
The discussion is likely to remain a major issue as Democrats begin preparing for future national elections and leadership battles within the party.
