Washington: In a candid revelation through her upcoming memoir, former Vice President Kamala Harris has openly criticized President Joe Biden and his administration, accusing them of undermining her efforts during her tenure. Harris has also labeled the Democratic Party’s decision to allow Biden to decide his re-election bid as “reckless.”
In an excerpt published in The Atlantic, Harris asserts that Biden’s staff contributed to negative narratives about her, including claims of a “chaotic” office environment marked by high staff turnover. She also highlights a lack of support from the White House during key controversies, such as her diplomatic mission to France following the AUKUS agreement, which had strained US-France relations.
Diplomatic Challenges and Media Scrutiny
Harris recounts her visit to France, aimed at mending ties after Australia canceled a submarine contract with France in favor of the AUKUS pact with the US and UK. She describes the US-France relationship as “tattered” and criticizes the administration for not defending her against media allegations of adopting a fake French accent during the trip.
“This was total nonsense, but the White House seemed glad to let reporting about my ‘gaffe’ overwhelm the significant thaw in foreign relations I’d achieved,” Harris wrote.
The excerpt is part of her book titled “107 Days,” referencing the duration she campaigned for the presidency after Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Harris reflects on the “months of growing panic” over Biden’s capability to lead, contemplating whether she should have advised him against running again.
Internal Democratic Party Dynamics
Harris’s memoir provides an introspective look at the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics, particularly the decision-making process regarding Biden’s candidacy. She critiques the party’s reliance on Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to decide on his re-election bid, describing it as a decision that should not have been left to personal ambition.
“We all said that, like a mantra, as if we’d all been hypnotised,” she wrote. “Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness. The stakes were simply too high.”
Harris notes that Biden’s eventual withdrawal from the race came after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump, which raised questions about his age and fitness for office. Despite Biden’s initial promise to be a transitional figure, Harris suggests that the administration did not adequately prepare her as a successor.
Reflections on the 2024 Election
Harris’s memoir also sheds light on the 2024 election, which she ultimately lost to Trump. She describes the lack of support from Biden during her campaign, citing a speech where Biden offered minimal acknowledgment of her contributions.
“I want to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris. She is experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country,” Biden said. “And that was it,” Harris wrote.
Previous accounts of the election suggest that Biden cautioned Harris against distancing herself from his agenda, emphasizing the importance of preserving his legacy.
Implications and Future Prospects
Harris’s revelations raise significant questions about the Democratic Party’s leadership strategy and the role of vice presidents in shaping future candidacies. Her critique of the Biden administration’s handling of her tenure may influence how future administrations approach vice-presidential support and succession planning.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Harris’s memoir offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by women and minorities in high political office. It also underscores the complexities of navigating party dynamics and media scrutiny in the digital age.
