Why veteran US military strategist thinks Joe Biden is a 'better candidate' than Kamala Harris

With the 5 November election just weeks away, Harlan Ullman , a senior advisor at the Atlantic Council and the key figure behind the " shock and awe " military doctrine, presents an interesting thought experiment. As the election remains a closely contested race, Ullman questioned whether Joe Biden , despite his age, would have been a stronger candidate than Vice President Kamala Harris , who has faced challenges in recent weeks. He wrote in The Hill: "...when the 47th president is decided, at some stage, people may wonder whether the best choice was not Harris or Trump. In retrospect, perhaps America would have been better served if the 46th president Joe Biden won a second term."


Although Harris initially took charge with strong momentum, October has not been particularly favourable to her campaign. Donald Trump , her main rival, has steadily narrowed the electoral gaps, and some believe that he may even have gained a slight lead. As a result, many are left to consider whether President Biden, with all his years of experience, might have fared better as the candidate.

While Biden is no longer in the running, the question lingers: Would he have been a more suitable choice for the presidency despite the concerns surrounding his age and stamina? Biden, who is now 81 years old, had previously been criticised for showing signs of decline, particularly during a disastrous debate in June, when his performance was seen as lacklustre compared to Trump’s. However, had that debate gone differently, or if Biden had been in stronger form, it raises the possibility that his candidacy could have survived these challenges.

Ullman pointed to Bob Woodward ’s recent book War, which provides insight into Biden’s presidency, highlighting both his strengths and his vulnerabilities. The book offers a favourable account of Biden’s leadership abilities, suggesting that his physical decline, attributed to previous medical conditions and the natural effects of ageing, did not necessarily reflect a decline in his cognitive capacity. This paints a more complex picture of Biden’s presidency, particularly as it also reflects the toll that high office took on him, with an overloaded schedule contributing to his fatigue.

In contrast to Biden, Trump continues to command attention with his larger-than-life personality and physical stamina. Despite his eccentricities, such as his obsession with his appearance and his often bombastic style, Trump’s high-energy performances have helped him retain a large and enthusiastic support base. His rally audiences remain substantial, underscoring his enduring appeal, even in the face of multiple legal challenges.

For Harris, Ullman noted, the visual and physical comparison to Trump may not work in her favour. While she presents a more positive and buoyant image, her campaign has struggled to emphasise Trump’s legal troubles as much as some might expect, leaving some to wonder if a more aggressive approach might have benefitted her.

Looking ahead, Ullman wrote that if Biden had been the candidate, he would have needed to focus on highlighting Trump’s flaws more vigorously, including his criminal convictions and pending legal cases. Whether Biden would have been able to overcome his physical challenges and successfully compete against Trump in this regard is a question many may now be asking.


US President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama were reportedly seen having a private conversation regarding Vice President Kamala Harris' potential as a presidential candidate for the upcoming US elections . According to the New York Post, during an off-mic exchange caught on camera, President Biden expressed concerns to Obama, remarking that Harris was "not as strong as me." Obama agreed with Biden’s sentiment, replying, "I know... that’s true," before adding, "We have time." Biden then responded, "Yeah, we'll get it in time."

Earlier in their conversation, Obama appeared to suggest the importance of spending time together, potentially hinting at the possibility of campaigning alongside Harris. The dialogue was interpreted by Jeremy Freeman, a London-based forensic lip reader with 16 years of experience as a certified expert witness.

The exchange, which occurred during Ethel Kennedy's memorial service, was decoded by Freeman, who noted that the tone of the conversation was supportive and lacked any underlying tension, despite some speculation about Obama’s head-shaking gesture.