Democratic strategist James Carville delivered a scathing critique of President Joe Biden, calling him the “most tragic figure in American politics in my lifetime.”
Carville’s remarks, which reflect growing frustrations within the Democratic Party, centered on Biden’s decision to seek reelection and the consequences that followed.
Carville argued that Biden should have announced in 2023 that he would not pursue a second term. Instead, Biden remained in the race until July 2024, when he was reportedly pressured by key Democratic leaders, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to step aside.
James Carville articulates why Joe Biden is the most tragic figure in American politics:
— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) December 6, 2024
"If he would have in September of 2023 wasn't going to run, goddamn we would have won this election, it wouldn't have been that close."
Wouldn't have won, but anyone was better than Kamala. pic.twitter.com/HuWdD5JO2J
At that point, Vice President Kamala Harris was positioned as the party’s nominee ahead of the Democratic National Convention.
Harris’s campaign, however, faced significant challenges. She reportedly spent $1.5 billion in donor funds over three months but ultimately lost in a landslide to President Donald Trump.
Reflecting on the election’s outcome, Carville expressed frustration with Biden’s decision-making and the missed opportunity for the Democratic Party.
“If in September 2023 he said he wasn’t going to run, God d**n, we would’ve won this election!” Carville exclaimed, highlighting the potential for a more competitive race with a different candidate.
Carville lamented that Biden’s delay in stepping aside prevented the party from fielding a broader range of candidates with stronger appeal.
“It wouldn’t have been that close,” Carville said. “We would’ve had so many freaking talented people who were running. [Biden] would be sitting here, getting ready to leave on a high note.”
Carville also took aim at Harris, suggesting that her campaign struggled to connect with voters and was outperformed by other potential Democratic contenders. “There are more talented people who would have run on the Democrat ticket,” he remarked.
Despite his harsh criticism, Carville expressed some sympathy for the president, acknowledging the difficult position Biden found himself in during his final months in office.
“I actually feel for Biden. He knows he f**ked up,” Carville admitted, suggesting that the president was aware of the implications of his decisions.
Carville’s comments underscore the deep dissatisfaction among some Democrats about the party’s leadership and strategy during the 2024 election. His remarks have resonated widely, with critics and supporters debating the party’s choices and future direction.