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Breaking Promises: An Insider’s Perspective on Politics and the Biden Administration

In Citizen
January 18, 2025

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Bulletin

Regarding Politics

A supporter of Kamala Harris claims that Joe Biden failed to keep a promise. Senator Laphonza Butler, a Democrat from California, was interviewed during her last week in the Senate.

Written by Lisa Lerer

Laphonza Butler has been a senator from California for approximately 15 months, during which time she has shown strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Their close alliance dates back 15 years.

This week, I had a conversation with Butler, who has been in a long partnership with Harris. They first crossed paths when Butler was working as a union leader in Los Angeles. This partnership provides Butler with a unique viewpoint on the reasons behind her party’s loss in the presidential election and potential strategies for rebuilding.

Harris has not openly discussed the reasons for her loss. According to Butler, part of the responsibility lies with President Biden, who she thinks went back on his promise by running for re-election. However, solely blaming Biden is not sufficient. Democrats need to stop talking and truly listen to others.

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Butler to take over the U.S. Senate seat that became vacant after Senator Dianne Feinstein passed away in September 2023. Since Feinstein chose not to seek re-election, this week marks her final days in the Senate. On Monday, Representative Adam Schiff will be officially inaugurated as the new senator for the state.

This interview was adjusted to make it shorter and easier to understand.

LL: What is your opinion on the reasons for Harris’ loss

LB: The American public desired a shift and were looking for a candidate who they believed embodied that change. It seems that this desire for change ultimately influenced their decision.

Was it a mistake for Biden to run for

When President Biden first took office, he implied that he would only serve as a transitional leader. Many people expected him to stick to that plan. While his presidency has been successful, it may have been better for him to continue in that transitional role. Looking back, his presidency will likely be seen as one of the most influential in my lifetime. It’s important to uphold the expectations set with the public.

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