Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a blunt directive to Democratic governors last summer in a closed-door meeting following President Biden's widely criticized debate performance, urging them to unify behind him despite mounting concerns over his mental fitness. "This is about saving our f--king democracy," Harris said, according to 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, a new book by Washington Post reporters Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Tyler Pager.
The July 3, 2024 meeting came just days after Biden's faltering June 27 debate against Donald Trump, in which the president appeared confused and froze at times. His debate remarks, including the line he "finally beat Medicare," prompted fresh doubts among party leaders and voters about his ability to serve another term.
Authors of the book report that Harris' comments were delivered in response to rising panic among Democratic governors. Some had begun to question whether Biden should continue his reelection campaign. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a former emergency room doctor, directly asked Biden about his health. "It's just my brain," the president reportedly responded.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appeared outside the White House following the meeting and told reporters, "All of us said we pledged our support" to Biden. But according to the book, that statement misrepresented the tone of the meeting and angered several governors who remained privately skeptical. Hochul's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The governors present included several viewed as potential Biden replacements, such as Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Jared Polis of Colorado, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. Most did not publicly endorse Biden that day, nor did they appear beside Hochul on the White House driveway.
The governors who did accompany Hochul for the televised remarks were Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, then-chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Walz was later chosen as Harris' 2024 running mate after Biden stepped aside and endorsed her as his successor 18 days later, ending speculation of a contested "mini-primary."
According to the book, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham warned Biden during the meeting that he could become the first Democrat in 20 years to lose her state. Maine Gov. Janet Mills bluntly told the president that voters in her state didn't believe he was fit for another term.
Harris' use of profanity has drawn attention throughout her vice presidency. In May 2024, she told a gathering of Asian American community members that breaking social barriers might require them to "kick that f--king door down." While some supporters say her language reflects authenticity, others view it as an intentional attempt to appear relatable.
