As the 2024 presidential race enters its final month, top aides to Kamala Harris are grappling with the challenge of how to distance her from Joe Biden while still maintaining a loyal relationship with him. Harris is seeking to emphasize her own policies and differences from Biden, such as her more direct speeches on abortion rights and the southern border. The campaign recognizes that running as an extension of Biden is not a winning strategy, and they are working on new plans and promises to highlight Harris’ own platform.
Harris faces a delicate balance of creating space from Biden while still relying on his support. While she wants to establish herself as an individual candidate, she also needs the backing of the incumbent president to win the election. The two have made separate appearances on the campaign trail, with tension arising when Biden’s scheduling affected Harris’ plans. Although Harris wants to distance herself from Biden on certain issues, she is also hindered by the need to maintain unity within the Democratic Party.
The economic landscape remains a challenge for Harris, with voters expressing frustration despite a strong recovery. Harris wants to focus on addressing the ongoing economic issues, while Biden seeks acknowledgment for his administration’s accomplishments. The campaign is navigating messaging on economic matters, with Harris sometimes having to scale back statements to align with the White House. There is a recognition that separating from Trump is easier than distancing from Biden, given his role as the incumbent president.
Internal polling shows that statements emphasizing differences between Harris and Biden resonate more with voters than those positioning Harris as building on Biden’s accomplishments. Leading Democrats emphasize the importance of Harris showcasing a clear contrast with Trump, as this can resonate with voters seeking change. Biden remains supportive of Harris’s campaign and has committed to assisting in battleground states. Despite internal tensions and frustrations within the White House, Biden maintains his dedication to helping Harris win the election.
The final stretch of the campaign presents a mix of strategizing and psychology for Biden, who is at peace with his decision to step aside and support Harris. Frustrations arise over perceived double standards in media coverage and public perception, with some allies suggesting that Biden could have fared better if he had stayed in the race. Biden remains focused on supporting Harris and traveling to key states to advocate for her candidacy. Overall, the campaign is navigating a complex balance of asserting Harris’s individuality while also leveraging Biden’s support and experience.
