Harris distances herself from Biden’s campaign support amid election concerns

Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly avoiding campaigning alongside President Joe Biden as the election approaches.

According to Axios, while President Biden has expressed his desire to support Harris in the final days leading up to Election Day, sources familiar with the situation indicate that her campaign is hesitant. They have responded to Biden's outreach with vague assurances of getting back to him, reflecting concerns that Biden may be a political liability during this crucial time.

This situation exemplifies the delicate dynamics within the Democratic Party, as Biden's staff and supporters navigate the 81-year-old president’s feelings. One individual likened the relationship to a slow-moving breakup, noting that while Harris’s team respects Biden's contributions, they are cautious about further associating her with his unpopularity. With an approval rating of just 39%, Biden is seen by some as a reminder of past challenges rather than a symbol of a new direction.

Despite Biden's team believing he could enhance Harris's campaign efforts—particularly among white working-class voters in critical states like Pennsylvania—there are currently no scheduled joint appearances before the election. Recent reports suggest that Harris's campaign has allowed several of Biden’s proposed campaign days to pass without coordination.

Compounding this tension, Biden's recent announcement of a solo campaign stop in Pittsburgh surprised Harris's team, which had focused on surrogate events featuring other prominent figures. The White House maintained that it is in regular contact with Harris’s campaign and characterized the situation differently. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates stated, “We are in close touch with the campaign to determine when, where, and how the president can be helpful,” indicating ongoing collaboration despite the apparent rift.