Kamala Harris’s campaign strategically distances itself from President Biden as internal tensions mount and approval ratings plummet.
At a Glance
- No joint campaign events scheduled for Biden and Harris before Election Day
- Harris’s team views Biden as a political liability with his 39% approval rating
- Biden’s requests to join Harris on the campaign trail met with non-committal responses
- Internal tensions rise as staffers move from Biden’s team to Harris’s camp
- Harris campaign criticizes White House for not prioritizing campaign needs
Strategic Distancing in the Campaign
As the 2024 election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign is making calculated moves to separate itself from President Joe Biden’s administration. Despite Biden’s expressed desire to collaborate on the campaign trail, there are no scheduled joint appearances before Election Day. This strategic distancing comes as Biden’s approval rating hovers at a low 39%, causing Harris’s team to view the President as a potential political liability.
The tension between the two camps is palpable, with Harris’s team responding non-committally to Biden’s requests for joint campaign events. Sources familiar with the situation report that when asked about potential collaborations, Harris’s team often replies with a vague “We’ll get back to you.” This hesitancy underscores the delicate balance Harris must maintain between her role as Vice President and her aspirations for future political success.
Internal Conflicts and Loyalty Concerns
The strategic distancing is not without its internal conflicts. As some Biden staffers migrate to Harris’s team, feelings of disloyalty are brewing among those who remain with the President. This shift in personnel has created a rift within Harris’s camp, with tensions arising between original team members and newcomers from Biden’s 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” stated Axios’s Alex Thompson
The situation is further complicated by the White House’s apparent lack of prioritization for the campaign’s needs. One anonymous Harris campaign staffer expressed frustration, stating, “The White House is lacking someone in the room thinking first and foremost about how things would affect the campaign.” This sentiment highlights the growing divide between the administration’s focus and the campaign’s strategic objectives.
Implications for the Democratic Ticket
The strategic distancing and internal tensions raise questions about the cohesion of the Democratic ticket. With Biden’s team having set aside days for joint campaigning that Harris’s team did not utilize, there’s a clear indication of diverging priorities. This lack of unity could potentially impact voter perception and the overall strength of the Democratic campaign.
As the election landscape continues to evolve, the relationship between Harris and Biden will be closely watched. The strategic decisions made by Harris’s campaign in the coming months could have significant implications for the Democratic Party’s chances in the upcoming election and beyond. The delicate balance between maintaining party unity and pursuing individual political aspirations remains a challenge that both Biden and Harris must navigate carefully.
Sources:
Report: Kamala Harris’s Campaign Giving Joe Biden the Cold Shoulder
