Jamal Simmons, former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, set off a media firestorm recently by openly suggesting that President Joe Biden should step down, allowing Harris to assume the presidency and finish his term.
Simmons made his controversial proposal on CNN’s State of the Union, just days after the 2024 election in which President-elect Donald Trump defeated Harris in her own presidential bid. The suggestion caught CNN anchor Dana Bash and commentator Scott Jennings by surprise, sparking immediate responses.
During the discussion, Simmons praised Biden’s tenure, claiming he had been a “phenomenal president” and fulfilled many of his promises. But he went on to argue that there was still one pledge Biden had yet to fulfill—his promise to be a “transitional” leader.
“There’s one promise left that he could fulfill,” Simmons declared. “He could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris president of the United States.” This sudden pivot from praise to a call for Biden’s resignation drew a quick reaction from Jennings, who interrupted with an incredulous “Whoa,” and Bash, who added, “Wow.”
WATCH: Harris advisor floats INSANE conspiracy that Joe Biden should resign immediately so that Kamala Harris can spend a few days as our first female president before President Trump takes over. pic.twitter.com/lqyHthXJC3
— Kaelan Dorr (@KDORR_USA) November 10, 2024
Undeterred, Simmons continued, framing his suggestion as a way for Biden to elevate Harris to the presidency while also sparing her from presiding over Congress on January 6, when the legislative branch would officially certify her electoral loss. According to Simmons, such a move would signal a bold shift for the Democratic Party, showcasing transparency, change, and a willingness to “do things the public wants to see.”
But not everyone on the panel was convinced by Simmons’ reasoning. Bash responded wryly, remarking, “Okay, this has now jumped from an internet meme to a Sunday morning show! Congratulations!” And Jennings, clearly taken aback, added with humor, “Jamal’s out here writing a season of House of Cards!”
Following the panel discussion, Simmons took his argument to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that Biden’s resignation would accomplish two things: Harris would become the first female president, and it would set a precedent that could pave the way for future women in the race to the White House. “Joe Biden has been amazing but he should fulfill one last promise — to be transitional.
Biden should resign and make Kamala Harris the first woman president. It’d turn tables on Trump, keep Kamala from presiding over Jan 6, make it easier for next woman to run,” Simmons tweeted.