Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign is facing internal concerns regarding cohesiveness, as a mix of loyalists to the vice president and former Obama staffers have come together to form a team working on what was originally President Biden’s re-election campaign. The team, which includes both Biden’s former staffers and Harris’ own aides, is described as “unwieldy” with competing power centers. The attempt to avoid making Biden staffers feel cast aside has led to confusion about leadership within the campaign.
The addition of former Obama campaign aides, including prominent figures like Marc Elias, has added to the complexity of Harris’ campaign team. Elias, close to former Attorney General Eric Holder, has been brought in to assist with vetting vice presidential running mates and working on Democrats’ recount strategy. Despite the challenges of a short timeline until Election Day, tensions within the team are said to be primarily due to role clarity and not malicious intent.
Some Biden campaign aides have expressed concerns about the influence of former Obama staffers within Harris’ team, with accusations that they have been second-guessing their decisions. While some view Harris as more electable than Biden after her debate performances and the burst of enthusiasm she brings, others are disappointed in having to defend her past progressive stances on healthcare and energy policies, which were key issues in Biden’s nomination win.
Rather than altering the composition of Biden’s original campaign team, Harris has shifted her messaging focus from Biden’s emphasis on “democracy” to themes of “freedom” and “future.” This rebranding strategy aims to highlight Harris’ vision and priorities moving forward. The Harris campaign has not responded to requests for comment on these reports.
Despite internal concerns, the Harris campaign continues to navigate the complexities of the team structure and messaging strategy in preparation for the upcoming election. As the campaign balances the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of both Biden and Obama loyalists, challenges remain in ensuring clear leadership and unity within the team. The ongoing coordination and collaboration among staff members will play a crucial role in the success of Harris’ presidential bid.
