CNN host criticizes Biden's assertion that Kamala Harris could have defeated Trump.

On Friday, Biden stated that he believed he could have defeated Trump and that Harris also had a chance.

CNN host criticizes Biden's assertion that Kamala Harris could have defeated Trump.
CNN host criticizes Biden's assertion that Kamala Harris could have defeated Trump.

On Sunday, CNN host Jake Tapper criticized President Biden for making a "nonsensical" claim that Vice President Kamala Harris could have defeated President-elect Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

"During "State of the Union," Tapper said, "Okay, first of all, just I think Kamala would have beaten Trump? She ran against him, and she lost, so that’s just nonsensical.""

Biden stated on Friday that his decision to withdraw from the presidential race was motivated by party unity, and added, "I believe Kamala could have defeated Trump," according to Mediaite. Biden has consistently expressed his belief that he would have won a general election against Trump.

The CNN host stated, "I believe he was attempting to retract his previous comments after spending the past few months criticizing her."

Jake Tapper
CNN's Jake Tapper called out President Biden on Sunday for claiming Kamala Harris could have beaten Trump in the election.  (Screenshot/CNN)

Kate Bedingfield, a former Biden communications aide, defended the president and stated that he was probably attempting to give Harris praise for her successful campaign.

Biden stated that he believed he could have defeated Trump, and Kamala could have as well. He emphasized that it was crucial to unite the party, even if he thought he could win again. Biden shared this with reporters on Friday.

Bedingfield stated that Tapper's analysis was unfair and said, "He acknowledged that she ran a strong race and was proud of her."

Biden at White House reception
President Joe Biden speaks at a reception for new Democratic members of Congress in the State Dining Room of the White House, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

In a USA Today interview, Biden stated that he believes he would have won the election if he had not dropped out on July 21. He based this view on polling data he had reviewed.

CNN poling guru Harry Enten said Biden's claims were nonsense.

"According to Enten's Wednesday X post, Biden's statement that he could have beaten Trump was categorized as "flat out bonkers" based on polling data. Biden was behind Trump when he dropped out and never led in all of 2024. Additionally, no incumbent president who was as unpopular as Biden has ever won."

Enten stated that his claim that he could have won the 2024 election if he had stayed in the race was flat-out bonkers. He urged people to look at the evidence.

Biden's polling numbers were analyzed by him, specifically in the Great Lake battleground states, where Trump had a significant lead with "all 3" states showing Trump in the lead.

Planet Chronicle' Alexander Hall contributed to this report.

by Hanna Panreck

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