Staff Reports
As the midterm elections approach and the Harris-Walz ticket flounders in the polls, an unexpected twist has surfaced: President Biden has expressed a desire to hit the campaign trail in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. However, Harris’s reaction indicates that inviting Biden along would be akin to bringing a can of worms to a picnic. Given Biden’s recent behavior—marked by confusing statements and moments that leave the audience wondering if he’s debating a tree or a telephone pole—it’s clear why Harris would prefer her boss stick to cameo appearances rather than lead the charge.
Jill Biden hardest hit. https://t.co/Q6SsV0QVlA
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) October 27, 2024
The situation is as awkward as a family reunion with that one uncle who insists on going into detail about his conspiracy theories at the dinner table. According to insiders, while Biden’s team is eager for him to make waves on the campaign trail, Harris’s crew is sidestepping the issue like a group of high schoolers avoiding a bully. They’ve reportedly issued noncommittal responses, simply stating they’ll get back to him, which is just as polite as saying, “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Part XXIX in my recurring series of "Harris should have sent anyone remotely senior in the Biden campaign on a 6-month all-expenses-paid trip to the Galapagos Islands" tweets.https://t.co/3JgZI7JQ7H pic.twitter.com/jmsv3RHk4Z
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) October 27, 2024
In a perfect example of how Democrats navigate the delicate waters of Biden’s public presence, it seems Harris’s camp sees their ticket’s leader as more of a drag than a draw. With Biden’s approval ratings hovering around a dismal 39%, even a friendly appearance could remind voters of just how tired they are of his administration’s antics. After all, who wants to see the Ghost of Presidents Past while pitching a vision for the future?
Observing this political drama unfold brings to mind the slow but certain decline of a dysfunctional relationship—where one partner, despite a storied past, is simply too much of a liability to move forward with. Harris’s team has underscored their respect for Biden’s years of service, but it’s clear they are not eager to hitch their wagon to a candidate whose résumé is becoming synonymous with public missteps and legislative failures. Instead, they appear to want to carve out their own identity, free from the shadow of a president who has become a liability on the campaign trail.
With the election only days away, Biden’s aides have cleared their schedules with hopes of securing joint events. However, Harris’s team has consistently let these opportunities slip away, further cementing the notion that Joe will likely be absent from her campaign showcases. While this may be a prudent choice strategically, it does raise questions about the state of Biden’s political influence and the party’s overall direction. Poor Joe may find himself in an even lonelier spot than usual, facing the reality that sometimes his own party doesn’t want him around. Perhaps it’s best for the vice president to steer clear for now; playing it safe may just be the smartest move to make before hitting the campaign trail.
