In what many are calling a visible snub, President Joe Biden will be absent from Vice President Kamala Harris’ election night watch party, opting to view the results from the White House just two miles away. This marks the latest in a series of perceived rifts between the president and his former running mate.
The White House confirmed that “the president and First Lady will watch election results in the White House residence with longtime aides and senior White House staff,” adding that Biden would receive updates on races across the nation. Meanwhile, Harris will host her event at Howard University, her alma mater in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the election season, Biden’s actions have repeatedly appeared to distance himself from Harris. During her campaign, for instance, Biden rarely attended events with her and has made moves that critics say undermined her public image. This includes an incident in Michigan, where Biden held an unscheduled White House press briefing just as Harris began a rally, in which he highlighted their administration’s shared policies, even saying, “I’m in constant contact with her… she was a major player in everything we’ve done.”
Biden’s unwillingness to back Harris extends beyond scheduling clashes. The Daily Wire reported Biden even put on a “Trump 2024” baseball cap at an event packed with Trump supporters, stirring questions over whether he misunderstood the gesture or was subtly signaling his own feelings about the 2024 campaign.
The friction was also evident when Harris took a controversial jab at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis following a hurricane, criticizing him for not returning her calls. Shortly afterward, Biden himself reached out to DeSantis and posted about it publicly, appearing to override Harris’ attempt to position herself as a crisis leader.
The president’s choice to skip Harris’ election night party has intensified speculation, with critics citing it as another sign that Biden’s support for Harris has cooled. In addition to holding back from campaigning for her, Biden has not directly endorsed Harris on several issues critical to her campaign, opting instead for a hands-off approach. The ongoing distancing has led Trump and other Republicans to claim there’s little personal loyalty between the two Democratic leaders.
In a stark show of frustration, Biden recently described Trump supporters as “garbage” during a campaign call, a remark aimed at distinguishing his stance from Harris and her approach. As the election results roll in, many will be closely watching the dynamics between Biden and Harris, as their partnership faces increased scrutiny on the national stage.