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Clinton: Biden’s 81-Year Run Sparks Democratic Panic

6/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Clinton told New Yorker editor David Remnick at the 92nd Street Y that Biden’s decision to run at age 81 sparked panic among Democrats.
She said Biden broke his pledge not to seek reelection, should have allowed a competitive primary, and that a real contest could have beaten President Donald Trump.
She noted Biden only considered withdrawing after a disastrous debate and poor polls, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris 107 days to campaign.

History

Historical Context

In 1912 President Theodore Roosevelt broke his pledge not to run again and launched the Progressive (Bull Moose) Party, drawing 27.4% of the popular vote and 88 electoral votes. The split fractured Republican ticket of incumbent William Howard Taft, allowing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the presidency—a precedent cited in 2024 as Democrats warn that Joe Biden’s broken no-re-run pledge could similarly fracture party unity.

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Story summary

Clinton told New Yorker editor David Remnick at the 92nd Street Y that Biden’s decision to run at age 81 sparked panic among Democrats.
She said Biden broke his pledge not to seek reelection, should have allowed a competitive primary, and that a real contest could have beaten President Donald Trump.
She noted Biden only considered withdrawing after a disastrous debate and poor polls, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris 107 days to campaign.

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