Former Vice President Kamala Harris identified presidents she considers most effective in American history during an appearance at the National Urban League Conference, notably excluding President Joe Biden despite serving as his vice president for four years.
When asked by National Urban League President Marc Morial to rank the top three most effective American presidents, Harris praised Franklin Delano Roosevelt for helping the country through periods of extraordinary hardship by expanding government investment in the American people.
She also highlighted Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. "I credit Kennedy, of course, in terms of what he laid the groundwork for," Harris said. "And then Johnson followed up on."
Harris rounded out her selections by praising President Barack Obama and his accomplishments, specifically noting: "What he did with the Affordable Care Act and many things." She argued that the Affordable Care Act addressed a persistent problem, stating: "If we had one issue that's been ailing America for generations, which is a healthcare system that has failed anyone other than the rich."
Biden's absence from the list follows public criticism Harris made in her 2025 memoir, 107 Days, where she argued his decision to remain in the 2024 race proved to be a mistake. "I knew it would come off to him as incredibly self-serving if I advised him not to run. He would see it as naked ambition, perhaps as poisonous disloyalty, even if my only message was: Don't let the other guy win," Harris wrote.
She also reflected on Biden's age during the campaign: "But at 81, Joe got tired. That's when his age showed in physical and verbal stumbles."
Biden withdrew from the 2024 race after mounting pressure from Democratic leaders following his debate performance against President Donald Trump. He subsequently endorsed Harris, leaving her 107 days to campaign before Election Day.
Harris reiterated criticism of Biden's reelection decision during an appearance on MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show, saying she believed she had a "certain responsibility" To push back against his 2024 bid.