President Biden reportedly believes he would have been a stronger candidate against Donald Trump than Vice President Harris.
Tensions have reportedly risen between President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following her presidential election loss, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sources suggest a decline in the warmth between the two leaders and their families compared to earlier in the administration.
The WSJ notes that the strained relationship is particularly evident between First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Harris. Allegedly, Jill Biden’s reservations about Harris stem from the 2020 Democratic primary debates, where Harris criticized Biden’s past stance on federal busing programs. This criticism, deeply personal for Jill Biden, reportedly continues to affect her view of the Vice President.
The article emphasizes the increasing tension in the political and personal dynamic between the two families since Harris’s electoral defeat.
“The postelection rapport among the Bidens and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, in private settings has at times been frosty,” the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with their interactions.
President Biden reportedly believes he could have won the election had he run. Some advisors reportedly share this sentiment, arguing that his experience and past victory over Trump would have made him a more formidable candidate.
A separate Washington Post report from last week indicated that Biden privately regrets withdrawing from the 2024 race. While acknowledging leadership missteps, he reportedly feels he should have remained a candidate despite the challenges that led to his withdrawal, according to White House sources.
The White House refutes these reports. Spokesman Andrew Bates denies any rift between Biden and Harris, stating both are focused on legislative achievements and “finalizing the most groundbreaking record of any modern administration.”
Biden’s July withdrawal followed a televised debate with Trump that drew criticism regarding his age and cognitive abilities. He has publicly acknowledged a subpar performance, stating he “screwed up” due to difficulties articulating his policies. This decision paved the way for Vice President Harris to become the Democratic nominee; she subsequently lost to Trump in November.