Kamala Harris recounted her post-race withdraw discussion with then-candidate Joe Biden during a recent CNN interview. Much to her amusement, Biden seemingly extended his support to Harris for her 2024 presidential run. While some may see this as a noble or even chivalrous move, certain questions are raised about the motivations behind this quick endorsement.
In what came across as a blatant attempt at image building, Harris lauded Biden’s policy track-record and personal demeanor in the very same interview. But, can someone remind us what groundbreaking policies he’s spearheaded that benefitted Americans? The interview conveniently forgets to mention the disastrous southern border issue and the surge in crime across many American cities.
Harris even went as far as praising Biden’s ‘deep care’ and ‘loyalty’ for the American people. One might wonder if she’s referring to the same president whose ratings have been in steady decline amidst an outburst of criticism from citizens. Any discerning American would question these flowery descriptions based on Biden’s recent performance.
She further propped Biden’s supposed ‘intelligence’, ‘commitment’, and overall ‘disposition’, portraying him as an ideal president America ‘rightly deserves’. The truth of the matter, however, seems lost on Harris, as a majority of Americans continue to reel under the economic consequences of Biden’s policy choices.
In a baffling turn, Harris then sought to contrast Biden’s ‘traits’ with those of the former president, not droppping a name but insinuating nonetheless. This was a confusing attempt to divert attention as this conversation seemed more like a trivial chat rather than a serious discussion on national importance.
Harris let slip details of the mysterious phone call between her and Biden following his decision to drop his candidacy. An interesting revelation that the leader who touted unity and inclusivity made the call right after Harris had breakfast with her family. One wonders if the conversation would have been different had it been made over a cup of coffee.
Harris further admitted, with an innocence that would make one skeptical, that she even asked Biden if he was certain about his decision. From this, it appears that the hesitance wasn’t only from Biden’s end as Harris herself felt the need to assure his withdrawal.
As the discussion deepened, the interviewer, CNN’s Dana Bash, quizzed Harris about whether she asked Biden directly for his endorsement. With a knowing smirk, Harris said it was ‘clear he was going to support me’, yet offering no solid evidence of any such promise.
Diverting from the tangent, Harris then attempted to laud Biden’s presidential term, making a bold claim that it was in some ways ‘transformative’. But the narrative seems clearly distorted. Perhaps she meant transformative in terms of skyrocketing inflation and crime rates, as they seem to be the only significant transformations under the Biden administration’s watch.
In her closing remarks, Harris insisted that Biden had led an ‘extraordinarily successful’ administration. A glaring example of the administration’s detachment from reality given the increasing crisis at the border, disgraceful Afghanistan withdrawal, and soaring crime rates across the nation.
Lost in her web of flattery, Harris vouched for the ‘character’ of the man named Biden, claiming he always put ‘American people first.’ But does putting American people first involve worsened job numbers, a crippling economy, and national disunity? If so, then maybe Harris’ words ring true. However, they surely fail to echo with the realities on ground.
Harris was all praises unabated for Biden, labelling him ‘selfless’. The sheer irony of this statement from someone who gleefully climbed the political ladder, often at the expense of her own career. Strikes one as an act of projection rather than an honest reflection.
To sum up, it seems Harris eagerly used her platform to weave an elaborate tale about Biden’s alleged virtuosity and accomplishment. The rhetoric was high, and so was the disconnect with the common people who are witnessing a starkly contrasting picture.
Yet, the biggest takeaway from the interview might be the revelation of Harris’ insincere flattery and rhetoric. Despite everything, it’s clear that in the world of politics, grand testimonies often mean less than on-the-ground actions.