Steve Benjamin, a senior advisor to President Joe Biden, was on the call when Biden announced he would not run for re-election. Speaking with Nexstar from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Benjamin expressed his support for Biden’s decision and noted that Vice President Kamala Harris has earned widespread backing within the Democratic Party as its presidential nominee.
Benjamin described Biden’s choice of Harris as a validation of the Biden-Harris administration’s achievements. “The President’s key decision was about choosing his successor, and he picked Kamala Harris. What we’re witnessing is excitement about a new generation of leadership,” Benjamin said on Wednesday.
Biden’s senior advisor Steve Benjamin praises Harris and highlights administration achievements
He highlighted the administration’s accomplishments, such as the American Rescue Plan, which he credits with boosting employment, supporting small businesses, and providing health aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The enthusiasm for the agenda has always been there, but now it’s about what Vice President Harris represents—a lifetime of fighting for the people,” Benjamin noted. He also praised the energy surrounding the convention’s focus on new leadership, particularly with Governor Tim Walz.
Benjamin observed that Harris and Walz are drawing unexpected bipartisan support. “We’ve seen more Republicans on stage recently than Democrats,” he said. “The campaign is reaching out to Independent and Republican voters, uniting people across party lines.”
With the election just 75 days away, Benjamin reported that the Harris-Walz campaign has intensified its efforts, including making about 900,000 phone calls and conducting 150,000 door-to-door canvassing visits. “The outreach is real and expanding rapidly,” he added.
