Biden Ambassador Contemplated Presidential Candidacy Amid Border Criticisms
Biden ambassador considered White House bid over – Ken Salazar, the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, has revealed in his upcoming memoir that he seriously considered running for president in 2024 due to his growing disillusionment with the Biden administration’s approach to border security. The book, titled Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America, will be released on July 28, and Politico obtained an advance copy, citing Salazar’s reflections in the text. His decision to step down from the ambassadorship and contemplate a White House bid underscores his frustration over the administration’s perceived inability to address the complexities of the southern border crisis.
Border Crisis as a Political Turning Point
In the memoir, Salazar highlights what he describes as a “political failure to understand the reality of the crisis at the border” and its potential impact on Democratic prospects in the 2024 election. The former ambassador, who served under President Barack Obama, argues that the Biden team underestimated the severity of the situation, leading to a disconnect between policy and public perception. “I should run for president,” he told himself, a sentiment that has been reported by Politico as part of the book’s narrative. Salazar’s internal monologue reflects a broader concern about how the administration’s handling of immigration could shape the electoral landscape.
The Border Czar Proposal and Harris’s Appointment
Salazar’s frustration with the White House’s response to the border issue led him to advocate for a centralized leadership role. In the memoir, he suggests that the administration should have appointed a “border czar” to streamline decision-making and address the crisis more effectively. This idea eventually materialized with Kamala Harris’s selection as the first person to hold the position. However, Salazar critiques Harris’s effectiveness, stating that “her designation in this position was having no effect on migration flows.” He writes that while Harris was tasked with tackling the “root causes” of migration, many within the political sphere questioned her ability to make a meaningful impact.
“But sadly, her designation in this position was having no effect on migration flows,” he wrote, according to Politico. “[Harris] had been placed in charge of getting at the ‘root causes’ of migration, but many felt she had been ineffective. For whatever reason, she had been unable to help with the border and migration crisis, even though she’d sat next door to the Oval Office for almost four years.”
Salazar’s critique extends beyond Harris, pointing to systemic shortcomings in how the administration managed the border. He describes the current system as “antiquated, under-resourced, underdeveloped, insecure, and broken,” a stark assessment that echoes sentiments from his time in office. Notably, he acknowledges that former President Donald Trump’s criticisms of the border situation were “correct” in many respects, highlighting a partisan divide in perspectives on immigration policy.
Personal Frustrations and the Path to 2028
The ambassador’s frustrations with the Biden team persisted beyond policy debates. At one point, he reportedly shared with his wife his doubts about the administration’s competence, stating, “not sure this administration knows what it’s doing.” Politico cited this moment in the book, illustrating Salazar’s personal connection to the issue. His discontent with the White House’s handling of the crisis has now shifted to a long-term strategy, as he aims to warn future Democratic candidates about the challenges of immigration in the 2028 election cycle.
Despite drafting a platform for a potential presidential campaign, Salazar ultimately decided against running in 2024. This decision came after the Democratic Party solidified Kamala Harris as its nominee following Biden’s withdrawal from the race. While he initially saw a path to leadership, the administration’s continued focus on the border issue left him questioning whether the party would adequately prepare for the next election. His memoir serves as both a reflection on past challenges and a guide for future leaders.
A New Alliance Proposal for Border Cooperation
Salazar’s ideas go beyond domestic policy, as he has proposed a tripartite alliance between the United States, Mexico, and Canada to share economic and border responsibilities. This concept, detailed on his personal website, is titled A New American Alliance: The Borderlands Platform. The proposal suggests a collaborative framework to address migration flows and strengthen regional security, emphasizing the need for cross-border cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Salazar’s vision for the alliance reflects his belief that the U.S. cannot tackle the border crisis alone. By uniting with Mexico and Canada, he argues, the three nations could create a more resilient system that balances economic integration with border control. The plan also includes mechanisms for resource-sharing and joint decision-making, aiming to reduce the strain on individual countries’ infrastructure and political systems.
Future Ambitions and Political Strategy
Politico recently reached out to Salazar to explore whether he would consider a presidential bid in 2028. The former ambassador has been asked three times about his intentions, with his responses indicating a cautious optimism about the next election cycle. “I can’t see the future beyond the reality that we have a November 2026 election, and a lot’s going to happen this year,” he stated in one interview, as reported by the outlet. This remark suggests that while he remains committed to addressing the border issue, his decision to run will depend on the administration’s progress and the political climate.
Salazar’s focus on the borderlands platform aligns with his broader goal of reshaping immigration policy. He emphasizes that the platform should be a central component of the 2028 agenda, ensuring that future candidates prioritize solutions that resonate with voters. His experience as an ambassador and his understanding of the crisis’s nuances position him as a potential leader for the Democratic Party in the next cycle.
Legacy and Lessons for the Next Generation
Salazar’s memoir is not just a personal account but a critical analysis of how immigration policy can influence national politics. By examining the challenges faced under both Biden and Trump, he provides a historical context for the current debate. His insights into the 2024 election and the potential pitfalls of 2028 offer a roadmap for candidates to avoid repeating the mistakes of their predecessors. The border crisis, he argues, is a defining issue of the modern era, and its resolution will determine the success of any presidential campaign.
As the book prepares for release, Salazar’s reflections serve as a catalyst for discussion. His proposals for a border czar and a new alliance highlight the need for innovative solutions to an enduring problem. Whether his words will influence the next generation of leaders remains to be seen, but his willingness to critique the current system signals a desire to leave a lasting impact on U.S. policy and political strategy.
