The state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on January 9 in Washington D.C., was characterized by a palpable chilliness, not only from the winter air but also from the apparent icy relations among some of the attendees.
Observers noted a particularly frosty interaction between First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, hinting at underlying political tensions within the outgoing Democratic administration. The two Democratic leaders, seated together at the National Cathedral, barely interacted during the service, an observation further corroborated by a body language expert.
Although Harris extended a brief courtesy by holding Biden’s purse as the latter got settled, they spent the rest of the service staring straight ahead, seemingly creating as much virtual distance between them as possible. This icy attitude reportedly mirrors the “draining” and “depressing” atmosphere within the administration as its tenure draws to a close.
Contradicting these observations, Kirsten Allen, Harris’ spokesperson, defended the relationship between Harris and the Bidens, stating their strong friendship and close working relationship that has extended to their spouses.
Beyond the Biden-Harris dynamic, the funeral also spotlighted other political tensions. Harris appeared unsettled upon seeing President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama in a friendly chat behind her, reacting with a disapproving sigh and eye roll.
The interaction among the five living U.S. presidents also underscored various political dynamics. Notably, former President George W. Bush acknowledged Obama but ignored Trump, while his wife, Laura Bush, greeted everyone, including former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence. However, Karen Pence, former Second Lady, seemed to avoid any interaction with the Trumps.
During a previous funeral service for Ethel Kennedy at the same cathedral, President Biden was reportedly overheard by a forensic lip reader conversing with Obama about Harris’ perceived lack of strength compared to him.
Similar cool interactions between the Bidens and Harris were observed at the Kennedy Center Honors in December, where neither Joe nor Jill Biden acknowledged Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, during a standing ovation.
These public tensions reportedly extend to private frustrations as well, particularly for Jill Biden. Insiders claim she has been disheartened with the Democratic party establishment recently, with some sources suggesting she has urged her husband to take radical measures.
