According to a New York Times article, Hillary Clinton has joined a growing list of Democratic politicians who are dissatisfied with Kamala Harris’s performance as vice president.
According to The Times, Clinton privately questions Harris’ inclusion on a Democratic presidential ticket for 2024 and her proximity to the office.
As noted in the Times:
“Congressmen, Democratic strategists, and other influential party members all agreed that she had not developed into a strong leader. Two Democrats remembered hearing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton complain in private talks that Ms. Harris couldn’t win because she lacks the political nous to defeat a primary field.”
John Morgan, a well-known Democrat fundraiser, stated that given Biden’s advanced age, Harris’s frailty would be “one of the most hard-hitting points against Biden.”
“Look, considering his age, we have to seriously think about this,” Morgan added. “It doesn’t take a genius to say that.”
Morgan said, “I can’t think of a single thing she’s done, other than stay out of the way and stand by him at certain ceremonies.”
The Times’ claims were refuted by Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill, who said that Clinton supports Harris and that the two frequently discuss their common experiences as “women in power.”
“They have developed and kept up a close friendship. Any alternative interpretation of their relationship is obviously incorrect,” according to Merrill.
However, it is evident that Harris’ inclusion on a presidential ticket is causing Democrats growing concern.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) declined to say if she wanted Harris to run with Biden in 2024, the New York Times reported.
Warren agreed with the statement that Biden should run again. She said, “I truly desire to defer to what makes Biden comfortable on his team,” when asked about Harris.
It’s interesting to note that in response to the Times piece on Harris, Press Secretary Kirsten Allen charged the publication with disseminating “shade” and rehashing “beltway gossip.”
“There is apparently no shortage of newspapers ready to write about it and regurgitate beltway gossip, and there is no shortage of people prepared to anonymously cast aspersions,” Allen tweeted. “Those who continue to doubt the Vice President’s function and influence are choosing not to see what is in plain sight.”
