There are emerging claims that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for the 2024 presidential race has been undermined by the staff of President Joe Biden. Reports indicate a mounting tension between the two camps, seemingly fueled by actions from the President that inadvertently sabotage his previous running mate. This is in spite of the Democratic Party’s and Biden’s public support for Harris.
According to Republican strategist Jason Meister, Biden seems to be seeking revenge on Harris, who he perhaps believes betrayed him. Meister pointed out that Biden has been conspicuously absent from most of Harris’ campaign events and has offered limited public endorsement.
Harris’ team has aired its dissatisfaction over the supposed lack of support from the White House, a situation that has strained relations between the two factions. Balancing loyalty to Biden and presenting herself as a fresh alternative for change has been a challenge for Harris. An Axios report recently highlighted internal disagreements over strategy, with some of Biden’s aides feeling sidelined or ignored.
Some of Harris’ staff members allege that the White House staff knowingly fails to align Biden’s messaging and scheduling to maximize support for Harris’ campaign. A member of Harris’ team pointed out the lack of consideration in the White House for how decisions impact the campaign. For instance, following Harris’ criticism of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Biden praised the Republican governor for his cooperation, contradicting Harris’ position.
A White House official denied these allegations, stating that the entire administration, including the President, recognizes the importance of the election. They noted the expectation that many staff members were transitioning from the administration to the campaign during the crucial final phase.
Amid these claims, Harris’ team has been pushing to expand the Vice President’s official office to accommodate the increased workload. However, the team is reportedly discontented with the sluggish pace at which the White House is assigning personnel for this purpose.
While the White House is striving to support Harris’ team, there has been annoyance regarding certain regulations concerning personnel assignments and their timing.
Even though several of Biden’s aides have joined Harris’ campaign, there are concerns among some of being seen as disloyal by Biden’s team for either leaving or contemplating the move.
In defense of the Biden administration, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates told Axios: “President Biden endorsed Vice President Harris immediately after leaving the race, rejecting other approaches that would divide the party, and has attested to her leadership abilities and continually made clear his support for her.”
