A recent report by The Wall Street Journal has revealed signs of strain between President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following their defeat to President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Sources cited in the report described the “postelection rapport” between the Bidens and the Harris family as “frosty,” with lingering tensions from their time on the campaign trail now spilling into private interactions.
A Tumultuous Campaign Season
Vice President Harris stepped into the Democratic ticket’s top spot after mounting pressure led President Biden to drop out of the race in July. While Biden was praised for putting the party’s interests above his own, his delayed exit has since been blamed by some for the Democrats’ loss to Trump. Harris, meanwhile, faced a steep uphill battle in leading the ticket during a contentious election year.
According to sources, First Lady Jill Biden has harbored reservations about Harris since the 2020 Democratic debates, where Harris criticized Biden’s stance on federally mandated busing policies. These past grievances have reportedly resurfaced in the wake of the election loss.
Despite these reports, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates and Vice President Harris’ spokesperson Kristen Allen denied any rift between the Bidens and the Harris family.
Frustrations on the Campaign Trail
The final weeks of the campaign were marked by internal frustrations, particularly surrounding President Biden’s public appearances. Harris’ team reportedly grew uneasy when Biden made a surprise appearance at the White House briefing room in October and later caused controversy by referring to Trump supporters as “garbage.” The White House clarified that Biden’s comments were not intended to insult Trump voters, but the damage had already been done.
Throughout the campaign, Harris defended Biden against criticisms of his age and fitness for office, even after he stepped aside. However, the Washington Post reported that Biden privately expressed regret over his decision to withdraw, claiming he believed he could have defeated Trump.
White House Morale Sinks
Inside the White House, staffers have described the atmosphere in recent weeks as “draining” and “depressing.” The loss to Trump has prompted a period of reflection, with Biden acknowledging a range of missteps during his presidency and campaign. Among these regrets, Biden has reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with his decision to appoint Merrick Garland as attorney general, citing Garland’s handling of key issues.
While Biden has refrained from blaming Harris for the election outcome, his aides reportedly do not share his belief that he could have won against Trump. This divergence has added to the overall sense of discontent among the president’s inner circle.
A Complex Legacy
As Biden prepares to hand over the reins to President-elect Trump, the Democratic Party faces challenges in rebuilding unity and charting its path forward. The strained relationship between the Bidens and Harris, as well as the internal fractures within their teams, highlight the difficulties of navigating a post-election landscape filled with disappointment and second-guessing.
Harris, who made history as the first female and Black vice president, must now contend with navigating her political future amidst these tensions. Meanwhile, Biden’s legacy will be shaped not only by his time in office but also by the choices made during one of the most contentious election cycles in recent memory.
