
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign is strategically distancing itself from President Joe Biden as the election approaches, raising questions about the future of their political alliance.
At a Glance
- No joint campaign events scheduled for Biden and Harris before Election Day
- Harris’s team views Biden’s low 39% approval rating as a potential liability
- Tensions rising between Biden and Harris camps since her replacement on the ticket
- Harris’s team non-committal to Biden’s requests to join campaign events
- Internal conflicts emerging within Harris’s team between original and new staff
A Growing Divide
As the election draws near, a notable rift appears to be forming between Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s campaigns. Despite the traditional expectation of a united front, Harris’s team has seemingly opted for a strategy of separation, avoiding joint appearances with the President.
This tactical decision comes amid Biden’s struggling approval ratings, which have dipped to a concerning 39%. The Harris campaign, wary of potential political ramifications, has been reluctant to schedule shared events, even as the Biden team has set aside days for joint campaigning.
Diplomatic Distancing
The delicate dance of distancing without outright rejection has led to a series of non-committal responses from Harris’s team when faced with requests for joint appearances. This careful maneuvering reflects the campaign’s attempt to forge an independent path while still maintaining a semblance of unity with the administration.
“Harris’ team believes Biden is a political liability at a crucial time in the campaign — but is reluctant to directly say they don’t want him to campaign for her” – Source
Sources close to the situation have reported growing tensions between the Biden White House and Harris’s camp. When pressed for commitments to joint campaign events, the VP’s team has reportedly responded with a noncommittal “We’ll get back to you,” leaving the door open while effectively closing it.
Internal Strife and Strategic Challenges
The distancing strategy has not come without its internal challenges. As some of Biden’s staff have transitioned to Harris’s team, feelings of disloyalty have emerged among those remaining in the President’s camp. This staff reshuffling has also created tensions within Harris’s own team, as original members clash with newcomers from Biden’s administration.
“The White House is lacking someone in the room thinking first and foremost about how things would affect the campaign.” – Source
This sentiment, expressed by an anonymous Harris campaign staffer, underscores the perceived disconnect between the White House’s priorities and the campaign’s needs. It highlights the delicate balancing act required to maintain a cohesive front while pursuing individual political objectives.
Looking Ahead
As the election approaches, the political landscape continues to evolve. The strategic distancing between Harris and Biden’s campaigns may signal a shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to the upcoming electoral challenges. Whether this separation will prove beneficial or detrimental to their collective cause remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political season.
Sources:
- Report: Kamala Harris’s Campaign Giving Joe Biden the Cold Shoulder
- Harris stiff-arms Biden in final stretch