Biden is not happy with Kamala at all.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been dealing with a strained relationship behind the scenes, according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal. Tensions between the two families have reportedly been “frosty” since the 2020 election and have only worsened in the months following President Biden’s loss to Donald Trump.
The report highlights a rift between the Bidens and the Harris family, with sources close to both sides revealing a lack of warmth and even growing frustration. Much of the discord stems from the fact that Biden dropped out of the Democratic primary in 2020, paving the way for Harris to become the party’s nominee. Some within the Biden camp have privately criticized this decision, wondering if Biden could have defeated Trump if he had stayed in the race.
First Lady Jill Biden, in particular, is said to have harbored negative feelings toward Harris dating back to a 2020 debate, when Harris accused Biden of opposing federally mandated busing. This clash left a lingering bitterness, which has affected their relationship. In addition, Harris’ team was reportedly frustrated with Biden’s public appearances in the lead-up to the 2020 election. For example, Biden made an unplanned appearance in the White House briefing room in October, followed by controversial remarks about Trump supporters being “garbage”—remarks the White House later tried to walk back.
Despite these tensions, Harris publicly defended the president, particularly against attacks on his age and ability to lead, even after Biden withdrew from the race. However, Biden has since expressed regret over his decision to drop out, stating in private that he believes he could have defeated Trump in 2020. Yet, those around Biden in the White House have been less optimistic about this claim, with many feeling that the political environment has become “draining” and “depressing.”
Biden has also privately acknowledged other mistakes, including his performance in the presidential debates and his decision to appoint Merrick Garland as attorney general. But regardless of the internal friction, both the Bidens and Harris have tried to project unity to the public, with official spokespeople denying any significant rift between the two sides.
In sum, while the Bidens and Harris may present a united front publicly, behind closed doors, the relationship appears far more complex—marked by regret, frustration, and lingering tensions. This situation presents an uncomfortable reality for the Biden administration as it continues to grapple with both internal and external challenges.