This was shocking to see.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris sparked fresh political discussion Friday after she was asked to name the most effective presidents in American history. While Harris praised several Democratic presidents, many noticed one surprising omission: former President Joe Biden, the man she served alongside for four years.
Speaking at the National Urban League Conference in Nashville, Harris was asked by National Urban League President Marc Morial which U.S. presidents she believed had been the most effective. Instead of mentioning Biden, Harris began her answer by naming Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“Oh Marc, don’t make me do that,” Harris joked before offering a lengthy explanation of why she considers Roosevelt one of America’s most influential presidents.
Harris Praises Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, and Obama
Harris credited Roosevelt with expanding the federal government’s role during the Great Depression and highlighted programs such as Social Security. She also pointed to his belief that government should play an active role in helping Americans during difficult times.
She noted Roosevelt’s controversial proposal to expand the U.S. Supreme Court, saying he faced fierce political opposition for the idea.
According to Harris, Roosevelt understood what she considers government’s three essential responsibilities: protecting public health, maintaining public safety, and supporting public education.
She then added President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson to her list, praising Kennedy for laying the foundation for reforms that Johnson later advanced.
Harris also applauded former President Barack Obama, drawing loud applause from the audience. She singled out the Affordable Care Act as one of his signature accomplishments, arguing that it addressed long-standing problems within the nation’s healthcare system.
Throughout her answer, however, Harris never mentioned Biden.
Biden Omission Draws Attention
The omission quickly attracted attention because Biden selected Harris as his running mate in 2020 and she served as vice president throughout his administration.
After Biden ended his 2024 reelection campaign just months before Election Day, he immediately endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Following her defeat to President Donald Trump in both the Electoral College and the national popular vote, Harris later suggested the Biden White House failed to adequately support her campaign on several key issues.
In her book 107 Days, Harris wrote that White House communications officials did little to counter Republican criticism labeling her the administration’s “border czar.” She argued that the public was never given a clear explanation of her actual responsibilities or what she believed were accomplishments on immigration.
Those comments fueled continued speculation that Harris was frustrated with how the Biden administration handled her campaign and public image.
Harris Outlines Possible 2028 Priorities
During the same appearance, Harris also discussed several policies she would support if she decides to seek the presidency again in 2028.
Among the ideas she mentioned were eliminating the Electoral College, expanding the U.S. Supreme Court from nine to thirteen justices, and revisiting statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
The proposals reflected a progressive policy agenda that is expected to generate significant debate as Democrats begin preparing for the next presidential election cycle.
Whether Harris intentionally left Biden off her list or simply focused on other historical presidents, the omission has already sparked discussion across the political spectrum. As speculation surrounding a possible 2028 campaign continues to grow, Harris’ public remarks are likely to receive even greater scrutiny from both supporters and critics.