Schiff Says Kamala Would Be ‘Phenomenal’ President, Blasts Biden’s ‘Disturbing’ Interview Response

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff said Vice President Kamala Harris would be a “phenomenal” president and could beat Donald Trump “hands down” in the 2024 race — as he revealed which of Joe Biden’s comments “concerned” him most in the president’s pivotal interview on ABC News.

Talk about Meet the press On Sunday, the House Democrat publicly expressed some hesitation about keeping Biden in the 2024 presidential race, suggesting that other options, like Harris, might be a better fit for the party.

He stopped short of calling on Biden to step down, however, saying the decision was ultimately up to the president.

“I think the vice president would be a phenomenal president, I think she has the experience, the judgment, the leadership ability to be an extraordinary president,” Schiff said.

“But before making a decision on who else should be nominated, the president must decide whether it is him,” he added.

The California representative acknowledged public apprehension about Biden remaining in the race, saying he, too, had concerns after his disappointing debate performance and his underwhelming interview on ABC News.

Biden’s appearance at the debate reinforced fears that he would not be physically or mentally competent enough to defeat Trump in November. His raspy voice and halting responses gave the impression of a confused old man, rather than a strong, confident leader.

Schiff agreed that Biden’s debate performance “rightly” raised questions about his mental acuity.

In an attempt to allay those concerns, Biden participated in an interview that aired Friday night on ABC News. But Schiff said it also did little to reassure people about his decision to stay in the race — and highlighted what he found particularly concerning in response to one of George Stephanopoulos’ questions.

During the interview, Biden said that if Trump were re-elected in November after staying in the race, he would still feel he had done “a good job” as long as he did his best.

“That’s the answer I’m most concerned about,” Schiff said Sunday. “It’s not just whether he did his best in college, but whether he made the right decision to run or pass the torch.”

Like other Democrats, Schiff noted that the stakes are high in November, adding that there are some “concerns” within the party that Biden’s unpopularity could affect the House and Senate races.

“Right now, our second-tier candidates in the Senate and the House of Representatives are doing well, they’re all leading. They’re way ahead of the president, but you can’t be way ahead of the president,” Schiff said.

Despite the pressure, Schiff has refused to break his party’s commitment to Biden, even as some House Democrats have called for him to step down. He has said the president must make that decision himself.

Schiff also praised Biden for the accomplishments he has made during his term, including strengthening ties with NATO allies, creating American jobs, implementing strong climate policies and more. He said the president has accomplished more in a single term than other presidents have in multiple terms.

Despite his accomplishments, Schiff still encouraged Biden to seek advice from outside his inner circle to determine whether he should remain in the 2024 race.

“He will make the right decision,” Schiff said.