Biden’s ‘You’re Not Going Anywhere, Kid’ Remark Sparks Backlash and Debate on Harris’ Future
File pic: AP
Vice President Kamala Harris became the center of a social media firestorm after President Joe Biden made a lighthearted but controversial remark during a recent Democratic National Committee (DNC) event. Speaking at the DNC Holiday Reception on Sunday, December 16, Biden jokingly addressed Harris with, “You’re not going anywhere, kid,” a comment that quickly ignited online debate.
The event, held at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., featured speeches by both Biden and Harris, as they reflected on their tenure following their loss to President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
According to CNN, Harris has reportedly assured her supporters she will “not go quietly into the night,” signaling her determination to remain politically active despite the election outcome, Mediaite reports.
During the event, Biden spoke warmly of his vice president and praised her for her service. “Well, look, it’s also been an incredible honor to serve with someone of immense character that she demonstrated through her entire career: Kamala Harris,” he said.
Biden reflected on his decision to choose Harris as his running mate, underscoring the trust he placed in her from the beginning of their partnership. “I knew what I was doing when I asked her to be my vice president. I knew her. I knew of her. I knew about her. I knew her record. I trusted her,” Biden said.
The comment that sparked the most attention, however, came as Biden sought to emphasize Harris’s future role within the party. “And you’re not going anywhere, kid, because we’re not going to let you go. You’re not going anywhere.”
While Biden’s words were clearly intended as a lighthearted show of confidence in Harris, the phrase quickly drew mixed reactions on social media. Critics questioned the appropriateness of calling the vice president “kid,” interpreting it as dismissive or tone-deaf, particularly in a post-election atmosphere where Harris’s role has been under intense scrutiny.
Supporters, however, defended Biden’s comment as a casual expression of camaraderie, pointing to the overall context of his glowing praise for Harris’s integrity and leadership.
Despite the controversy, Biden’s remarks served to reaffirm his support for Harris, even as she navigates the political landscape following the 2024 defeat. As Harris herself has vowed, she remains steadfast: “not going quietly into the night.” Whether this signals a more prominent role for her in the Democratic Party’s future remains to be seen.
