As speculation grows about the future of Vice President Kamala Harris' political career, one question looms large: What role will President Joe Biden play in her administration, should she win the 2024 election? Harris, who served under Biden as his vice president, could have several key roles in mind for him if she secures the presidency. Here are five potential positions that Joe Biden might fill in a Harris administration.
1. Senior Advisor on Domestic Policy
Joe Biden’s extensive experience in the Senate and as President makes him a valuable asset in shaping domestic policy. With Harris taking the reins, Biden could serve as a senior advisor focused on healthcare, education, and economic recovery. Biden’s intimate understanding of Capitol Hill and how to navigate bipartisan deals could provide Harris with a powerful ally when facing legislative hurdles. His continued presence in the administration might offer Harris a steady hand in shaping progressive domestic reforms while maintaining a focus on middle-class Americans.
2. Diplomatic Envoy
One of Biden's strongest suits during his presidency was his ability to forge international relationships and navigate global diplomacy. Harris could tap Biden to serve as a diplomatic envoy, using his decades of experience on the world stage to help rebuild relationships with key allies and address international crises. Biden’s leadership in foreign policy issues—such as NATO relations, climate change, and global security—could allow Harris to focus on domestic issues while trusting Biden to maintain a steady diplomatic presence abroad.
3. Mentor and Counselor
Given Biden’s role as Harris’ mentor during her vice presidency, it’s plausible that she would continue to lean on him for advice in her administration. Biden has often been praised for his willingness to mentor younger politicians, and Harris would likely benefit from his wisdom and institutional knowledge. In this informal but powerful role, Biden could help Harris navigate the challenges of leadership while ensuring continuity in policy between their administrations. This dynamic could foster a more collaborative government that blends the best of their combined experiences.
4. Chair of a Special Task Force on Health or Economic Recovery
Biden has made a name for himself as someone who tackles critical national issues head-on, whether it’s managing the COVID-19 pandemic or revamping the American economy. Harris could assign him to lead a specialized task force on healthcare or economic recovery, where he could focus his efforts on specific priorities, such as expanding healthcare access or addressing income inequality. This would allow him to contribute in a meaningful way without the pressures of a full-time cabinet position.
5. Ambassador to the United Nations
Another fitting role for Biden in a Harris administration could be serving as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Biden’s experience in global diplomacy makes him an ideal candidate for the position, where he could represent American interests on the world stage. His tenure as president has been marked by efforts to re-establish the U.S. as a global leader in international organizations, and this role could allow him to continue that work under a Harris presidency.