At the Democratic National Committee’s holiday celebration, President Joe Biden turned to Vice President Kamala Harris and assured her she wasn’t going anywhere.
Although critics might interpret this as a statement about Harris’ uncertain political future, Biden used the opportunity to highlight why he selected her as his vice-presidential partner four years ago.
“It’s also been an incredible honor to serve with someone of immense character as she demonstrated throughout her entire career — Kamala Harris,” Biden said during his speech at the event.
“I knew what I was doing when I asked her to be my vice president. She always served this country with purpose and integrity, and she always will. And you’re not going anywhere, kid — because we’re not going to let you go.”
Harris, who has maintained a relatively low profile since her loss in the November election to President-elect Donald Trump, was also in attendance. She has yet to announce her next steps, though some speculate she could pursue the California governorship in 2026 or seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
Despite the decisive defeat to Trump, Biden maintained that his administration had positively impacted the nation.
“The one thing I’ve always believe about public service, especially the presidency, is the importance of asking yourself, ‘Have we left the country in better shape than we found it,'” he said.
“Today, I can say with every fiber in my being, with all my heart, the answer to that question is a resounding yes.”
As Biden prepares to leave office before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, he didn’t miss the chance to criticize his successor, referencing the events of January 6, 2021.
“Just two weeks before being sworn in, we just witnessed something we thought would never happen in America, a violent insurrection encouraged by the man sitting in the White House on Jan. 6,” Biden told the audience.
“We’ve come a long way since then. We passed historical legislation, laws that are literally building the strongest economy in the world … laws that, when fully implemented, are going to change America for decades to come.”
The outgoing president also took a moment to praise his wife, Jill Biden.
“It’s been the honor of my life being your president,” he said, “but the title I’m most proud of is being Jill’s husband.
“The bad news for you all is I ain’t going nowhere. We’re going to stay engaged.”
{Matzav.com}