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Politics | Democrats

Harris, Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Other Unfortunates

Many shortcomings contributed to their presidential defeats, but there was one underlying reason

Kerry Landon-Lane

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Kamala, Joe, and Hillary — portraits by Kerry Landon-Lane

It’s difficult to play down the stupifying defeat of Democrats in the 2024 presidential election. Many were responsible for this arch achievement, including the eventual nominee. But to blame Kamala Harris for the loss is to blame the last woeful runner in a relay of faulty starts, wrong turns, mishandling, poor positioning, and untalented participants. If one individual is to be drawn and quartered for his parts, it is Joe Biden. He arrogantly, selfishly, and stubbornly refused to move out of the way and allow a younger, more talented candidate to win. But, even Biden’s multi-layered failings are not the source of the river of defeat and Trump’s float back to the White House.

The record tells a story for Democrats

Walter Mondale, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris were party establishment choices. ALL LOST their presidential races (apart from Biden, who won under the protective cover of a pandemic). All were shades of lackluster, and all lacked the essential communication skills to connect with audiences.

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