Democratic Rep. Khanna: Biden made a mistake in running again
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna -- who defended former President Joe Biden's mental and physical fitness during the 2024 campaign -- admitted he was wrong, but said there wasn't a cover-up of ahead of the election.
"I don't think it was a cover-up … but I do think that the advisers and people close to Joe Biden owe an explanation … What I don't think the Democratic Party can do is just say, 'Let's talk about the future. Let's move past this,'" Khanna told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday.
"Look I made a mistake … you have to own up before you can move forward,” Khanna said.
Khanna defended Biden's accomplishments while in office, but reiterated his stance that the former president made a mistake in pursuing another four years in the White House.
"He's had a remarkable life. He showed a lot of resilience," Khanna said. "I still think Joe Biden has a lot to be proud of in his record. The CHIPS Act to bring semiconductors back, the Inflation Reduction Act to set up clean tech, the fact that we got out of COVID in the economy and had a strong economic recovery. And he has had a lot of resilience in his life. That doesn't mean, though, that he made the right decision to seek a second term."
Here are more highlights from Khanna's interview:
On a possible 2028 presidential run
Khanna: I'm focused on getting the House back. All my travels are in the Republican swing districts … I'm focused on a Democratic Party really having a working-class economic agenda. I call it "economic patriotism."
On his 'Benefits over Billionaires' town halls in Pennsylvania
Khanna: I made a very simple case that the Republican budget is not going to help working class folks. Look, there were Republican Trump protesters at the event who came inside and actually clapped for a few things, I said.
On support for Trump making a nuclear deal with Iran
Khanna: I appreciate that he's trying to get peace there. Look, I supported President Obama when he did the deal with Iran, and those of us who supported that should support President Trump. I'm also glad that he's speaking out about getting aid into Gaza.
