Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly “disappointed” by President Joe Biden’s recent assertion that he could have defeated President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal. Harris’s frustration comes after years of publicly defending Biden, particularly against concerns over his mental acuity, while maintaining loyalty to the administration’s messaging.
In February, special counsel Robert Hur described Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory” in a report on his handling of classified documents. Harris dismissed the findings at the time, calling them “gratuitous, inaccurate, and inappropriate.”
Biden ultimately withdrew from the presidential race in July following a faltering debate performance against Trump, a sharp decline in polling, and mounting pressure from Democratic leaders. Despite this, in a recent interview with USA Today, Biden suggested he could have triumphed over Trump, saying, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes.”
The Wall Street Journal revealed Harris expressed disappointment over Biden’s comment, confiding in close allies and family members. The statement has reportedly strained their relationship during their final days in office.
Harris has consistently supported Biden throughout her vice presidency, even as many within the Democratic Party urged her to distance herself from the unpopular president. After Biden’s poor debate performance in June and subsequent calls for him to step aside, Harris stood by him, refusing to publicly criticize or separate herself from his administration.
According to those close to Harris, Biden’s remark highlights the “one-sided loyalty” dynamic within their partnership. While their working relationship had previously warmed over time, tensions have reportedly emerged since Harris assumed leadership of the Democratic ticket and Trump secured a decisive victory.
Trump’s victory, now being hailed as one of the greatest political comebacks in American history, sets the stage for his return to the White House on Monday. Meanwhile, Biden and Harris prepare to leave Washington, with their political futures uncertain.
