Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California and one of President Joe Biden’s prominent defenders during the 2024 campaign, acknowledged on Sunday that he was wrong to support Biden’s re-election bid.
Speaking to Jonathan Karl on ABC News’ This Week, Khanna openly admitted, “I made a mistake,” regarding his judgment of Biden’s capacity to serve another term. He clarified, however, that he didn’t believe there was an intentional cover-up of the President’s physical and cognitive decline, but emphasized that Biden’s advisers should take responsibility and be transparent about their roles.
“I don’t think it was a cover-up … but the people close to President Biden should offer a clear explanation,” Khanna said. He also stressed that the Democratic Party cannot simply move forward without addressing the missteps of the 2024 campaign.
Previously, Khanna had publicly vouched for Biden’s mental and physical fitness. Now, he admits that misjudgment and insists on owning up to it. “To move forward, we have to start by admitting where we went wrong,” he said.
Despite his shift in stance, Khanna still praised Biden’s legacy, particularly his leadership during the post-COVID economic recovery, his investments in clean energy, and his efforts to revive domestic manufacturing. “President Biden has had an incredible public life,” Khanna remarked, citing accomplishments such as the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. “He’s been resilient, and his administration achieved a lot.”
Speaking on the future of the Democratic Party, Khanna stressed the importance of reconnecting with working-class voters and reclaiming the House of Representatives. “I’m visiting Republican swing districts to promote a Democratic agenda centered on a working-class economic vision — something I refer to as ‘economic patriotism,’” he said.
Interestingly, Khanna voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s efforts to foster peace with Iran and deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza. “I backed Obama’s Iran deal, and I support Trump’s peace initiatives as well. I also appreciate his push for aid in Gaza,” Khanna said.
Finally, Khanna dismissed any speculation about a presidential run in 2028, affirming that his focus remains on party-building and legislative work for now.
