Former Vice President Kamala Harris sparked public discussion during a July 31 event at the National Urban League in New York when she was asked to name the three most effective presidents in American history. While Harris praised several past leaders, she notably did not include former President Joe Biden, the man under whom she served as vice president from 2021 to 2025. When prompted by National Urban League President Marc Morial to provide her ranking, Harris initially hesitated before selecting Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She later added Barack Obama to her list of high-performing leaders, specifically highlighting his work on the Affordable Care Act.
Harris’s selection of Franklin D. Roosevelt focused on his efforts to expand the role of the federal government during economic crises, citing his work on Social Security and his philosophy regarding government responsibility. Regarding Kennedy and Johnson, she credited the former with laying the groundwork for major policy initiatives that the latter subsequently advanced. Her inclusion of Obama centered on his efforts to reform the healthcare system, which she described as a persistent issue for the nation. The omission of Biden, who endorsed her 2024 presidential bid after withdrawing from his own reelection campaign, drew immediate attention from political observers.
The event served as a platform for Harris to discuss her views on political history and the role of government. As she continues to navigate her political future, including ongoing speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run, her public comments are closely monitored for signals regarding her policy priorities and political alignment. While she has not made a formal decision about a future campaign, she has emphasized her focus on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The exchange highlights the complex dynamics often present in political relationships, even between those who have worked closely together in the executive branch.