Maxine Waters on Biden's Withdrawal: 'I was Angry at First' and Her Support for Harris
Congresswoman Maxine Waters has officially expressed her strong support for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign and has offered some advice on how the vice president should address Donald Trump.
TroibNews 
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), a prominent advocate for President Joe Biden to remain in the race, expressed her frustration upon finding out through a television broadcast on Sunday that Biden had decided to withdraw from the upcoming election.
“We had been told up to the last minute that he was going going to stay,” Waters revealed to POLITICO in a candid interview reflecting on the significant shift in the American political scene.
Just two weeks before the announcement, Waters had confidently declared, “It ain’t going to be no other Democratic candidate — it’s going to be Biden.” Despite numerous suggestions from other Democrats that Biden should step down, Waters stood by her belief in his enduring “grassroots support.” She highlighted her seniority by saying, during a lively moment at Essence Fest in early July, “People are talking about Biden's too old. Hell, I’m older than Biden!”
However, Waters quickly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris once Biden endorsed her, although she remains uncertain why other Democratic leaders hesitated.
Waters emphasized that she didn’t require a personal outreach from Harris to endorse her, citing their longstanding friendship since Harris' Senate campaign in 2017 and their shared history as pioneering female politicians. Waters anticipates former President Donald Trump will aggressively attack Harris on multiple fronts but trusts the former prosecutor's ability to counteract effectively.
Waters shared how she became aware of Biden's decision unexpectedly through television, followed by numerous phone calls. Initially upset because she and others had worked hard to support Biden's continued candidacy, she eventually accepted his decision because it led to his endorsement of Harris.
Reflective of her ongoing support for Biden, Waters explained, "I had always seen him at his best," citing examples such as his performance at the State of the Union address. She acknowledged the existence of contrary opinions within the party but maintained her confidence in Biden's capability to rally and perform well as observed at various events post-debate.
With respect to Harris’s challenges, Waters noted the anticipated opposition from Trump and his followers and underscore straight talking as Harris's strength in tackling such adversity. She touched on the experience Harris gained as Vice President and her adeptness in handling national and international issues. Waters also advised Harris to stay confident and leverage her knowledge and prosecutorial background against Trump's tactics.
Regarding other Democratic leaders' delay in endorsing Harris, Waters speculated on their motivations and expressed disappointment in their initial hesitancy. She discussed the implications of such delays for the nomination process and firmly supported Harris as a deserving candidate without reservations about a "coronation."
Lastly, touching on the election strategy, Waters anticipated immigration and border policies would be central issues pressed by Republicans. She suggested Democrats need ongoing efforts to educate the public on these complex issues to mitigate fear-mongering.
For the potential Vice President pick, Waters did not specify a name but showed optimism about several governors who had expressed eagerness to collaborate with Harris, noting their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and national unity.Waters also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity within the Democratic Party and ensuring a strong support base for Harris. She emphasized the need for Democrats to present a clear and cohesive message about their policy goals and the benefits they aim to deliver to the American people.
Discussing her perspective on the upcoming electoral strategies, Waters advised the Democratic Party to engage more deeply with grassroots movements and to ensure that their initiatives resonate with ordinary Americans. She stressed the critical role that these grassroots efforts play in not only boosting voter turnout but also in shaping policy priorities that reflect the needs and desires of the broader community.
Furthermore, Waters expressed concern over the divisive tactics often employed in political campaigns. She called for a higher standard of integrity and respect in political discourse, urging all parties to focus on constructive debates over policy and vision rather than personal attacks.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the election, Waters underscored the significance of the moment for American democracy. She expressed hope that this election cycle would bring about meaningful change and advance the cause of justice and equity across the nation.
In conclusion, despite her initial disappointment with Biden’s decision to not seek reelection, Waters remains a fervent advocate for the Democratic Party and its goals. She continues to support Vice President Harris’ candidacy and emphasizes the importance of unity, resilience, and proactive engagement in the face of challenges as critical for victory in the upcoming election.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
“We had been told up to the last minute that he was going going to stay,” Waters revealed to POLITICO in a candid interview reflecting on the significant shift in the American political scene.
Just two weeks before the announcement, Waters had confidently declared, “It ain’t going to be no other Democratic candidate — it’s going to be Biden.” Despite numerous suggestions from other Democrats that Biden should step down, Waters stood by her belief in his enduring “grassroots support.” She highlighted her seniority by saying, during a lively moment at Essence Fest in early July, “People are talking about Biden's too old. Hell, I’m older than Biden!”
However, Waters quickly rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris once Biden endorsed her, although she remains uncertain why other Democratic leaders hesitated.
Waters emphasized that she didn’t require a personal outreach from Harris to endorse her, citing their longstanding friendship since Harris' Senate campaign in 2017 and their shared history as pioneering female politicians. Waters anticipates former President Donald Trump will aggressively attack Harris on multiple fronts but trusts the former prosecutor's ability to counteract effectively.
Waters shared how she became aware of Biden's decision unexpectedly through television, followed by numerous phone calls. Initially upset because she and others had worked hard to support Biden's continued candidacy, she eventually accepted his decision because it led to his endorsement of Harris.
Reflective of her ongoing support for Biden, Waters explained, "I had always seen him at his best," citing examples such as his performance at the State of the Union address. She acknowledged the existence of contrary opinions within the party but maintained her confidence in Biden's capability to rally and perform well as observed at various events post-debate.
With respect to Harris’s challenges, Waters noted the anticipated opposition from Trump and his followers and underscore straight talking as Harris's strength in tackling such adversity. She touched on the experience Harris gained as Vice President and her adeptness in handling national and international issues. Waters also advised Harris to stay confident and leverage her knowledge and prosecutorial background against Trump's tactics.
Regarding other Democratic leaders' delay in endorsing Harris, Waters speculated on their motivations and expressed disappointment in their initial hesitancy. She discussed the implications of such delays for the nomination process and firmly supported Harris as a deserving candidate without reservations about a "coronation."
Lastly, touching on the election strategy, Waters anticipated immigration and border policies would be central issues pressed by Republicans. She suggested Democrats need ongoing efforts to educate the public on these complex issues to mitigate fear-mongering.
For the potential Vice President pick, Waters did not specify a name but showed optimism about several governors who had expressed eagerness to collaborate with Harris, noting their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and national unity.Waters also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity within the Democratic Party and ensuring a strong support base for Harris. She emphasized the need for Democrats to present a clear and cohesive message about their policy goals and the benefits they aim to deliver to the American people.
Discussing her perspective on the upcoming electoral strategies, Waters advised the Democratic Party to engage more deeply with grassroots movements and to ensure that their initiatives resonate with ordinary Americans. She stressed the critical role that these grassroots efforts play in not only boosting voter turnout but also in shaping policy priorities that reflect the needs and desires of the broader community.
Furthermore, Waters expressed concern over the divisive tactics often employed in political campaigns. She called for a higher standard of integrity and respect in political discourse, urging all parties to focus on constructive debates over policy and vision rather than personal attacks.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the election, Waters underscored the significance of the moment for American democracy. She expressed hope that this election cycle would bring about meaningful change and advance the cause of justice and equity across the nation.
In conclusion, despite her initial disappointment with Biden’s decision to not seek reelection, Waters remains a fervent advocate for the Democratic Party and its goals. She continues to support Vice President Harris’ candidacy and emphasizes the importance of unity, resilience, and proactive engagement in the face of challenges as critical for victory in the upcoming election.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
