Tensions between Biden and Harris plagued their campaigns, new book reveals
Former Vice President Kamala Harris had 107 days to convince the American people to elect her as the next president. However, tension between Harris’ team and former President Joe Biden’s inner circle did not work in her favor, as revealed in a new book by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios political correspondent Alex Thompson.
The book, titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” has brought questions about Biden’s cognitive decline and his administration’s alleged cover-up back into the national conversation. It also sheds light on the complicated relationship between Biden and Harris, highlighting the brewing distrust between their teams since Biden chose Harris as his running mate in 2020.
According to Thompson and Tapper, the decision for Biden’s vice president came down to Harris or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Many on the Biden team felt that Harris did not put in the work and was not a very nice person. Some even expressed regret, feeling that they should have chosen Whitmer instead.
Biden’s advisers also did not fully trust Harris, and there was a sense of resentment from former first lady Jill Biden after Harris criticized him during the 2019 Democratic primary debate. Despite being chosen as the running mate, Harris faced challenges within the Biden campaign and later, in the White House.
As Biden’s team struggled with concerns about his age and cognitive decline, Harris found herself inheriting a struggling campaign after Biden dropped out of the race following a disastrous debate performance in the summer of 2024. She tried to balance loyalty to Biden while distancing herself from his failing campaign.
Throughout the campaign, Harris faced criticism for her handling of issues such as immigration, with many voters expressing more confidence in Trump on the issue. Despite her efforts, the Trump campaign targeted her as the “border czar,” further complicating her campaign.
As the election drew closer, Harris found herself in the position of cleaning up messes created by Biden, such as his controversial statements and actions. Despite her efforts to help the Democratic Party, her own candidacy struggled to gain traction, with Biden becoming an increasingly heavy burden.
The book also details moments where Harris and her team clashed with Biden, highlighting the challenges they faced in working together. Despite their differences, Harris remained loyal to Biden, even as his actions created challenges for her campaign.
Ultimately, the book paints a complex picture of the relationship between Biden and Harris, showcasing the difficulties they faced in trying to work together towards a common goal. As the election approached, Harris found herself navigating a challenging campaign, trying to overcome the obstacles created by Biden’s actions and statements.
Representatives for Biden and Harris have not yet responded to requests for comment on the book’s revelations. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamics between Biden and Harris offer a glimpse into the complexities of leadership and collaboration in the highest levels of government.
