Former Vice President Kamala Harris has shared her perspective on President Joe Biden’s tenure in a newly published excerpt from her forthcoming book, “107 Days.” In her writing, Harris acknowledges that Biden experienced fatigue during his presidency but rejects the notion that there was a “big conspiracy” to conceal any decline in his abilities. “Many people want to spin up a narrative of some big conspiracy at the White House to hide Joe Biden’s infirmity,” she asserts. “Here is the truth as I lived it. Joe Biden was a smart guy with long experience and deep conviction, able to discharge the duties of president.” This statement reflects her defense of Biden’s capabilities even amidst scrutiny and challenges related to his age.
Harris emphasizes her belief in Biden’s competence, noting, “On his worst day, he was more deeply knowledgeable, more capable of exercising judgment, and far more compassionate than Donald Trump on his best.” This remark highlights her commitment to supporting the president despite acknowledging his struggles, especially as he navigates the pressures associated with his age. She identifies moments where Biden’s age became evident, particularly during intensive travel schedules, saying, “That’s when his age showed in physical and verbal stumbles.” Here, Harris conveys an understanding of the toll that the demands of the presidency can take on a person, especially someone in their eighties.
Harris argues that the media and public have misunderstood the situation. She insists that what may have appeared as incapacity was, in fact, a result of exhaustion from a strenuous schedule that included multiple international trips. “I don’t believe it was incapacity. If I believed that, I would have said so,” she states firmly. This assertion is significant, as it places the responsibility more on external pressures rather than a decline in Biden’s mental faculties.
In the excerpt, she also addresses her own experiences as Vice President, expressing frustration over the lack of support from Biden’s staff on key issues such as foreign policy and immigration. This sentiment suggests a desire for a more cohesive and empowered role in the administration, where her input could have impacted decisions more significantly. Harris’s observations reveal an underlying tension about her position and the dynamics within the administration, reflecting broader concerns about collaboration and communication in high-pressure environments.
Harris’s reflections extend into a critique of the Democratic Party’s approach regarding Biden’s candidacy. She argues that Democrats should have been more proactive in their discussions about his decision to run for re-election. Recalling the repeated mantra that “It’s Joe and Jill’s decision,” Harris now characterizes that stance as “recklessness.” This admission indicates her belief that the stakes of the presidency require more than personal ambition. “This wasn’t a choice that should have been left to an individual’s ego, an individual’s ambition,” she contends. With this statement, Harris highlights a crucial aspect of political strategy and the responsibility of party members to prioritize the collective over individual desires.
In summary, Harris’s commentary illustrates a complex picture of loyalty, ambition, and concern within her administration. Her willingness to separate her support for Biden from the realities of his age and the pressures of office reflects both a political necessity and a personal belief in his capabilities. Her frustrations with the support she received, along with her candid reflections on decision-making in the Democratic Party, offer an insightful look into the dynamics at play during a critical moment in American governance.
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