Jamal Simmons seems to be a strong aide of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. During CNN's State of the Union show on November 10, 2024, panelists Scott Jennings, Ashley Allison, and Brad Todd shared their perspectives on key events to monitor in the 71 days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Simmons, who previously served as communications director for Harris, suggested an unusual pathway for the vice president to potentially become president in 2024, which is the possibility of Joe Biden stepping down. He said,
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“He could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris the president of the United States.”
He shared a clip of his statement on X with a caption echoing the same message. Netizens have been quick to react to his statement. One X user wrote,
“This will backfire massively!!!!! More of the same political failures.”
Social media users backlashed Jamal Simmons as others pointed out his comment was not taken seriously.
“Even the people on the CNN panel laughed at you,” a social media user reacted.
“No wonder you dumbassses lost. Complete incompetence,” a person commented on X.
“Ummm, my brother....are you maddd? I mean, really? That's the best you got?” another X user questioned.
Netizens supported Biden stepping down to make Kamala Harris the president and other X users agreed to the idea.
“I like the idea of it but the reality of it is chaos. I would like to see VP Harris also in the remaining months in such a position. However the reality of it is unlikely although it would be great,” a netizen pointed out.
“I’ve been putting that out on my instagram for the last 5 days, I think it’s an amazing idea!” another person reacted.
“You are right! If only they would do this,” an online user commented.
Simmons said Biden was a phenomenal president but the move might make Kamala Harris oversee the defeat
Simmons expressed high regard for Joe Biden’s presidency, noting he had delivered on many promises, with one last potential pledge left, serving as a transitional figure.
He suggested that if Biden stepped down, it would prevent Kamala Harris from having to preside over a session certifying her own possible defeat, while also capturing the media’s attention, which was something Democrats needed to improve, he argued.
The vice president, in her role as Senate president, oversees the certification of presidential elections. Host Dana Bash remarked that Simmons’ idea had moved from an internet meme to a Sunday discussion topic. Simmons added that this could be an opportunity to reshape the Democratic strategy entirely.
Panelist Scott Jennings, a former advisor to George W. Bush, responded with skepticism, jokingly likening Simmons’ suggestion to a “House of Cards” plot twist. He acknowledged, however, that the decision rested with Biden, and if enacted, it would fulfill his promise as a transitional leader, positioning Kamala Harris to become the 47th U.S. president. Jennings also noted the move would disrupt Trump’s “47” branding, prompting a rebranding effort for Trump’s merchandise.
In July 2024, President Biden withdrew from the presidential race amid growing concerns over his age and mental fitness. Kamala Harris then stepped into the lead role on the ticket, but ultimately lost to Trump.
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