Jamal Simmons, former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, made headlines with his statement that President Joe Biden should resign to allow Harris to become the first woman President of the United States. Simmons, who served as Harris’s communications advisor from January 2022 to January 2023, shared his views during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on November 10, 2024.
Simmons’s Statement on Harris
Simmons argued that Biden stepping down would benefit both Harris and the Democratic Party. He said:
“Joe Biden has been an incredible president. He has kept so many promises. He can still fulfill one promise: to be a transitional figure. He should resign from the presidency within the next 30 days and make Kamala the President of the United States.”
Simmons emphasized that this move would spare Harris from managing a transition after a defeat and allow her presidency to dominate the news:
“This is the time for us to completely change our perspective on how Democrats work.”
Simmons’s Political Career
Jamal Simmons is a seasoned political strategist with extensive experience in Democratic campaigns and White House operations:
- Bill Clinton Administration: Press secretary and White House Advance Team member.
- Al Gore Campaigns: Deputy Communications Director during Gore’s 2000 presidential run.
- Vice President Kamala Harris: Communications Director from 2022–2023.
- Current Role: President of Dexter Davison Productions and CNN political commentator.
Throughout his career, Simmons has worked with prominent Democrats, including Wesley Clarke, Max Cleland, Bob Graham, and Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick.
Harris Reaction to Simmons’s Remarks
During the CNN panel, Simmons’s suggestion sparked varied reactions. Former George W. Bush aide Scott Jennings joked:
“Jamal Simmons is writing his own House of Cards season.”
Some commentators praised Simmons’s bold proposal, while others questioned its practicality and political implications.
Context for Simmons’s Statement
Simmons made his comments as the panel discussed the Biden administration’s next steps before the Republican transition begins in 71 days. He highlighted Biden’s accomplishments but called for a significant shift in Democratic leadership:
“This is the moment for us to change the entire perspective of how Democrats operate.”
Conclusion
Jamal Simmons’s call for Biden to resign in favor of Kamala Harris reflects his belief in bold, transformative leadership for the Democratic Party. Whether his suggestion gains traction remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly sparked debate about the future direction of the party.
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Jamal Simmons Kamala Harris, Joe Biden Resignation, Kamala Harris President, CNN State of the Union, Democratic Party Leadership