WATCH: Kamala Is ‘Essentially Running for President’ Given Biden’s Age, Says CNN Commentator

Van Jones: Kamala Harris is “Essentially Running for President” in 2024

CNN contributor Van Jones made a bold statement on-air Wednesday, claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris is “essentially running for president” in her 2024 reelection campaign with Joe Biden. According to Jones, Harris is in an unusual position as a woman, a black person, and an Asian person running alongside the oldest person to ever do it.

Despite her low approval rating and unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid, Jones predicts that Harris will impress Americans once they see more of her. “I expect people will become more and more impressed with her as she gets more and more opportunity,” he said. “I don’t think she’s been given the opportunity in the last two years to shoot her shots.”

Biden’s Age and Harris’s Importance

Joe Biden, who announced his reelection campaign on Tuesday, would be 86 years old at the end of a second term. As the oldest serving president in U.S. history, Biden has faced growing scrutiny of his unsteady public appearances and limited interactions with the press.

Despite concerns about his age, Biden insists that he feels good and excited about the prospects of running again. However, his decision to seek a second term was reportedly influenced by his belief that Harris cannot defeat former president Donald Trump, the GOP presidential frontrunner.

As Jones points out, the VP matters a ton in this situation. Harris will be under more scrutiny, but she will also have more opportunity to prove herself. “Everybody understands this is the oldest guy ever to run,” Jones said. “She will be under more scrutiny, but I think she will also have more opportunity to prove herself.”

Conclusion

It remains to be seen how Harris will perform in the coming years, but one thing is clear: she is in a unique position as the first woman, black person, and Asian person to hold the office of Vice President. As she continues to gain more experience and exposure, she may very well be “essentially running for president” in 2024.