The future of the Democratic Party is not promising for women, according to Rep. James Clyburn, who is still committed to supporting female candidates who run for office.
The South Carolina Democrat told NBC News that he agrees with Michelle Obama that the U.S. is not yet ready for a woman president, telling “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker that the former first lady is “absolutely correct” in her assessment.
Obama’s remarks were featured in a clip after Welker noted, “Former Vice President Harris has said sexism and racism played a major role in her defeat back in 2024.”
(Video Credit: NBC News)
“Congressman, do you think that America is ready to elect a woman president? Or do you agree with the former first lady?” Welker asked Clyburn, as Democrats seem suddenly able to define what a woman is.
“Well, history is prologued,” replied the 85-year-old lawmaker. “And I understand exactly what Kamala Harris has said.”
“Michelle Obama is absolutely correct. If you look at the history, we demonstrated that we are not ready,” he continued. These are incredible women who have run: Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris. And I think that we are getting there. That’s why we can’t afford to turn the clock back. We’ve taken one, two, and three steps forward. Let’s not take two, three, and four steps backwards, which is what we’re doing in these elections.”
“So, just because it doesn’t seem that we are ready doesn’t mean we should stop the pursuit,” Clyburn, the only Democrat from South Carolina in Congress, told Welker, admitting Democrats may be in a “dark moment.”
“My dad used to tell me all the time, ‘Son, the darkest point of the night is that moment just before dawn.’ And, so, we may be in a dark moment as it relates to women serving as president. But we may be in that moment just before dawn when a woman will serve,” he said.
“And in order for that to happen, they have got to run. So I want women to run. I’m going to support them. I’m the father of three fantastic women. I want them to keep their pursuit and not give up on this country,” he said.
Clyburn, who was a staunch supporter of Harris’s failed 2024 presidential campaign, believed she had the “capacity and the capability” to step into the role of president as discussions ran rampant about then-President Joe Biden’s state of health.
Just 31% of Americans have a favorable view of Kamala Harris — even lower than Biden.
Jim Clyburn says it’s because she is a “woman of color and first woman to be vice president,” but insists “she has the capacity and capability to be president.” pic.twitter.com/G6WF9jnc33
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 24, 2023
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
- ICE is authorized to enter homes without a warrant, according to memo obtained by AP - January 22, 2026
- Fmr. Iowa school superintendent arrested by ICE to plead guilty to federal charges - January 22, 2026
- Illegal immigrant accused of killing college soccer player, girlfriend had prior charge dismissed - January 22, 2026
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.