Tensions are rising within the Democratic party as election day nears.
Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign team accuses the Biden administration of providing insufficient support as her presidential campaign sees a decline in poll numbers, the New York Post reported.
Despite President Joe Biden's endorsement of Harris following his exit from the race, her team has voiced concerns over what they perceive as a lack of prioritization of her campaign needs by the White House.
Insiders claim that the president's schedule and message coordination have not aligned adequately to bolster her presidential bid.
After President Biden withdrew on July 21 and subsequently endorsed Harris, he declared choosing her as vice president was "the best decision I made my whole career" during the Democratic National Convention in August. This gesture, however, has not seamlessly translated into full support from his staff towards Harris’s campaign.
Furthermore, an underlying rift has developed between the staff of the vice president and Biden loyalists who struggle with the transition. Some White House personnel reportedly feel alienated following the Democratic shift that precipitated Biden’s withdrawal.
Andrew Bates, White House senior deputy press secretary, insists, "We have made significant changes to guarantee the Vice President's team has all of the support and resources that they need."
The lack of coherence between President Biden's and Vice President Harris's schedules has been noticeably problematic. Earlier this month, President Biden held a press conference in the White House briefing room, which coincided with and overshadowed Harris's rally in Flint, Michigan, demonstrating possible lapses in strategic coordination.
Additionally, Harris sought to enhance her diplomatic profile following her attempted outreach to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after Hurricane Helene, an effort that he declined. Such incidents reveal the challenges Harris faces in solidifying her standing both within and outside the party.
Despite these hurdles, both Biden and Harris publicly maintain a united front. At a recent appearance on ABC News' "The View," Vice President Harris stated, "I’ve been part of most of the decisions that have had an impact," highlighting her integral role in administration decisions.
A campaign source lamented, "The White House is lacking someone in the room thinking first and foremost about how things would affect the campaign." This sentiment is echoed by a Harris ally who criticized the administration, saying, "They’re too much in their feelings."
While infighting could potentially disrupt the campaign's objectives, the overarching goal remains clear for both teams: to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. With just a few weeks until voters head to the polls, the Harris campaign hopes for improved synergy and support as they rally to gain ground.
This election season is proving to be a critical test of unity and strategy for the Democrats, as they navigate internal dynamics and external pressures. The effectiveness of their cooperation could very well determine the political landscape for the next four years.
