As Kamala Harris embarks on her campaign trail for a potential second term alongside President Joe Biden, a newly released tell-all book has shed light on their relationship, suggesting a strained dynamic characterized by a lack of trust and mutual disdain. The book claims that President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are unable to tolerate or rely on Vice President Harris. However, it is important to approach these claims with caution and skepticism, as the reliability of the sources remains uncertain.
Written by an experienced Washington D.C. reporter, the book delves into the vice presidential selection process during the 2020 campaign. It explores the possibility that Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan was being considered for the role, an idea reportedly preferred by President Biden. However, it should be noted that Biden was under pressure from influential figures within the Democratic Party, particularly Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, who stressed the importance of selecting a Black woman as his running mate. Consequently, Harris emerged as a viable option.
The book also suggests that there was a strained relationship between Biden and Harris prior to their partnership. Harris had criticized Biden on the debate stage, accusing him of racism. The Bidens reportedly favored Susan Rice, a former Obama administration official, who they had a positive rapport with. However, it is essential to recognize that political calculations often play a significant role in these decisions, and personal relationships can evolve over time.
Presently, on the campaign trail, Harris has encountered challenges in maintaining staff and has experienced turnover in key positions, including speechwriters and office staff. Additionally, it is reported that she is discontented with the portfolio assigned to her by the president, particularly regarding the issue of illegal immigration. However, Harris and Biden are likely to remain together as it would be politically complicated to remove her from the ticket at this stage.
Another intriguing claim made in the book centers around the alleged tension between Jill Biden and Kamala Harris. It is suggested that the First Lady was a proponent of Susan Rice as the vice presidential candidate and harbored resentment towards Harris after she labeled Biden as racist during the primary debates. Again, the veracity of these claims should be approached cautiously, as they rely on undisclosed sources.
While some Democrats in Washington D.C. harbor doubts about Harris's capabilities, they are hesitant to openly criticize her for fear of being labeled as racist or sexist. As a result, the relationship between Biden and Harris will continue to be closely watched in the coming months.
In conclusion, the recent tell-all book examining the relationship between President Biden and Vice President Harris highlights purported tensions and disagreements. Nevertheless, it is essential to approach these claims critically, considering the potential biases of the sources and the complex dynamics of political decision-making.
