Biden and Harris grapple with internal fractures ahead of elections: Reports

With just 3 weeks remaining until the 2024 election , tensions between Vice President Kamala Harris ' team and President Joe Biden 's White House have escalated, according to reports from various outlets. Fractures within their respective teams have become increasingly visible, with both camps struggling to align their strategies as Harris makes her final push for the presidency. As reported by Axios, at the core of the tension is frustration over poor coordination between Biden’s schedule and Harris’ campaign events, exacerbating a sense of unease on both sides.

One significant source of tension occurred when Biden gave an impromptu press conference last Friday, clashing with Harris' scheduled event in Michigan. According to Axios, Harris’ team felt the timing undercut her media coverage. Earlier in the week, the vice president criticised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for not responding to her calls following a hurricane. Shortly afterward, Biden praised DeSantis for his cooperation, in what appeared to be a mixed message from the administration. Sources close to Harris told Axios that Biden’s failure to coordinate effectively has led to friction within the campaign.

Meanwhile, as The New York Post highlighted, some political observers suggest Biden’s actions are more deliberate. Following intense pressure from party members to step aside due to concerns over his declining health, Biden has appeared increasingly detached from Harris’ campaign. His absence from her major campaign events and high-profile appearances, including wearing a "Trump 2024" cap during the 9/11 anniversary event, have fuelled speculation that he is intentionally distancing himself from his vice president. Republican strategist Jason Meister was quoted by Nypost as saying, "Biden is intentionally enacting revenge on Kamala for knifing him in the back."

Complicating the dynamic further, Harris’ aides are reportedly finding it difficult to strike a balance between distancing herself from Biden and maintaining loyalty. As reported by CNN, Harris has attempted to assert her differences, particularly on issues like abortion rights and border control. Yet, her campaign is constantly pulled back toward Biden for joint appearances and official duties. Harris’ campaign has expressed concerns about the optics of standing too close to an unpopular president while still needing his support in key battlegrounds like Pennsylvania.

Adding to the discord, a lack of clear communication between both teams has created operational hurdles. According to CNN, Harris’ aides had to negotiate with Biden’s staff to prevent the president from taking an undeserved victory lap after a Federal Reserve interest rate cut that Harris had addressed. Biden aides later claimed that Harris was central to the administration's successes, but the ongoing friction points to deeper issues beneath the surface.