White House says VP Harris ‘future’ of the Democratic Party

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally on June 28, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Getty Images)

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday said Vice President Kamala Harris was the “future” of the Democratic Party.

The comments came in response to a reporter who questioned whether President Biden stood by his 2020 comments that he would be a “bridge to the next generation of Democratic leaders.”

“I think his statement stands. I mean, one of the reasons why he picked Vice President Kamala Harris is because she is indeed the future of the [Democratic] Party,” Jean-Pierre said. “And he’s very proud to have partnered with her and continue to partner with her and deliver an unprecedented record for the American people.”

The White House has been in full-scale damage control following the president’s disastrous debate performance, which has fueled calls for him to step down and allow another candidate to take his place.

Another reporter asked Jean-Pierre if during the president’s lunch with the vice president earlier in the day there was any discussion of “Harris potentially taking over.”

Jean-Pierre reiterated the White House’s position that the president had no plans to drop out of the race.

“That’s something that the campaign has shared. So, I’m just repeating what the campaign has shared,” Jean-Pierre said.