Pancakes & Phone call: Harris recalls the moment Biden passed on the baton and quit 2024 race

Aug. 30, 2024, 6:27 a.m.

Read time estimation: 3 minutes.

  9

In her first interview since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris shared the moment President Joe Biden informed her about his decision to withdraw from the re-election race. Speaking to CNN alongside Minnesota Governor and her running mate Tim Walz, Harris recalled the details of the call.

Biden's decision to step down from the 2024 presidential campaign stemmed from growing concerns and scrutiny surrounding his age and cognitive abilities. When asked about her previous statements implying that Biden would serve another term, Harris affirmed her stance.

Advertisement The phone call During the Thursday interview, the 59-year-old revealed that she was with her family when she received the call from President Biden about his decision to withdraw from the race. "I'll give you a little too much information," Harris told CNN during her first interview since Biden's announcement.

“My family was staying with us, and including my baby nieces. And we had just had pancakes,” she went on. “We were sitting down to do a puzzle, and the phone rang, and it was Joe Biden and he told me what he had decided to do.” “‘I asked him, ‘Are you sure?’ And he said, ‘Yes’," she added.

When asked if she regrets previously stating that Biden could serve "another four years," Harris firmly stated that she has no regrets. She described her time serving with Biden as "one of the greatest honors of my career." "He possesses the intelligence, commitment, judgment, and temperament that the American people rightfully deserve in their president. In contrast, the former president lacks those qualities," she emphasized.

Bash eventually asked what it would mean for Harris if she became the first female President of the United States. In response, Harris recalled a photograph of her grand-niece watching her accept the Democratic presidential nomination.

Advertisement “You know, I — listen, I am running because I believe that I am the best candidate for this position right now for all Americans, regardless of race and gender. But I did see that photograph. And I was deeply touched by it. And, you’re right, she’s — it’s the back of her head, and her two little braids, and — and then I’m in the front of the photograph obviously speaking. It’s very humbling. It’s very humbling in many ways,” she concluded.