Biden’s Praise for DeSantis Strains Harris’ Campaign

Analysts have recently noted that strains have increased between the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration. A key issue was reportedly Biden’s praise for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following recent hurricanes, which a Harris staffer criticized as neglecting campaign impacts.

“White House is lacking someone in the room thinking first and foremost about how things would affect the campaign,” the staffer said.

“Tonight, I spoke with Florida Governor DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Castor for firsthand reports on Hurricane Helene recovery and preparations for Hurricane Milton,” Biden said.

“My Administration is ready to support both leaders and the people of Florida with any further resources they may need,” Biden added.

“The governor of Florida has been cooperative. He said he’s gotten all that he needs. I talked to him again yesterday, and I said, ‘You’re doing a great job. It’s being all being done. We thank you for it. And I literally gave my personal phone number to call,” Biden said.

Harris had previously criticized DeSantis for not taking her call during the disaster response, despite having no formal role in it.

Biden also held a press conference that undermined a Harris campaign message, during which Biden emphasized Harris’ involvement in policy decisions and disaster relief efforts.

“Well, she’s — I’m in constant contact with her,” Biden said. “She’s aware of where — we all — we’re singing from the same song sheet. She helped pass all the laws that are being employed now.”

“She was a major player in everything we’ve done, including passage of legislation, which we were told we could never pass,” he added. “And so, she’s been — and her — her staff is interlocked with mine in terms of all the things we’re doing.”