Harris Omits Biden in Presidents Ranking at Nashville

Former Vice President Kamala Harris did not include President Joe Biden in a list of what she considered the most effective U.S. presidents during a public appearance on Friday, July 31, 2026. Harris was speaking at the National Urban League Conference in Nashville when the organization's president, Marc Morial, asked her to rank the top three most effective presidents in American history.

Harris initially demurred, saying, "Oh Marc, don't make me do that," before proceeding to name Franklin D. Roosevelt as her first choice. She praised Roosevelt for establishing Social Security and for his view on the essential functions of government regarding public health, safety, and education. She then named John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, crediting Kennedy for laying groundwork and Johnson for following through. Harris later added a fourth name, Barack Obama, citing his work on the Affordable Care Act, which drew applause from the audience. At no point in her response did she mention Biden, under whom she served as vice president from 2021 to 2025.

The omission comes amid a reported strained relationship between Harris and Biden following the 2024 election. Biden had withdrawn from...