As the 2024 election draws near, Vice President Kamala Harris is doing everything she can to project an image of strength and leadership. Yet, President Joe Biden’s recent actions suggest that he may not be as invested in preserving that image for her as one might expect. In the face of mounting challenges, particularly with hurricane relief efforts in Florida, the rift between the two leaders seems to be widening.
Harris’s attempts to coordinate with Florida officials regarding Hurricane Milton were met with significant resistance. Her frustration was palpable when she accused Governor Ron DeSantis of prioritizing politics over crisis management. However, not long after her public remarks, Biden himself stepped in, announcing that he had successfully reached out to DeSantis, effectively undermining Harris’s efforts and leaving many wondering if this move was intentional.
While the Biden administration officially supports Harris in her ambitions, the way events have unfolded tells a different story. With Hurricane Helene’s aftermath still fresh and Hurricane Milton on the horizon, Harris tried to position herself as a key player in the response. Yet, despite her attempts to communicate with DeSantis, it was Biden’s call that sealed the deal, reinforcing the perception that he remains in charge, despite rumors of his waning influence.
NEW: Biden counter-programs Kamala Harris and says Gov. Ron DeSantis is doing a great job just hours after Harris said he was doing an awful job.
This is crazy.
As Harris was on The View slamming DeSantis, Biden told reporters he gave DeSantis his cell phone number because he… pic.twitter.com/rb3A7rXe4o
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 8, 2024
Governor DeSantis, meanwhile, took the opportunity to dismiss Harris’s criticisms. He emphasized his focus on disaster relief and accused Harris of turning the crisis into a political spectacle. His response, particularly his pointed remark that “it’s not about you, Kamala,” underscored the perception that Harris’s involvement was more about image than action. DeSantis's interactions with federal officials, including FEMA, seemed to underline his readiness and capability in handling the situation without Harris’s input.
Biden's direct engagement with DeSantis not only solidified his leadership role but also subtly sidelined Harris. His message on social media, notably absent of any mention of the vice president, signaled a deliberate choice to highlight his own role in managing the situation. This omission did not go unnoticed, especially when contrasted with Biden’s earlier emphasis on the “Biden-Harris administration,” suggesting a shift in narrative as election day approaches.
The disconnect between Biden and Harris has become more apparent, as her attempts to distinguish herself from the administration’s past failings clash with Biden’s insistence on highlighting their unified front. When Harris declared during a debate with Trump, "Clearly, I am not Joe Biden," she momentarily distanced herself from the President's baggage. However, Biden's recent comments, praising Harris's integral role in his administration, pulled her right back into the fold.
For Harris, these setbacks are particularly damaging as her team pushes for her to be seen as a leader in her own right. With Biden's recent decision to stay stateside during critical storm preparations, rather than leaving for Germany as planned, Harris lost another opportunity to step into the spotlight. White House aides have been quick to assert that the President is fully supportive of Harris's aspirations, but actions often speak louder than words.
As political observers analyze these developments, there is a growing sense that Biden might be subtly undercutting Harris's attempts to step out of his shadow. Some even speculate that Biden's recent choices — from wearing a Trump hat to engaging directly with DeSantis — could be interpreted as political maneuvers designed to keep Harris in check. Regardless of the motivations, one thing is clear: Harris's struggle to assert her leadership continues to face significant obstacles, some of which may be coming from within her own administration.