In the lead-up to Kamala Harris’ pivotal debate with Donald Trump, Joe Biden gave his vice president a chilling piece of advice, which has now been detailed in a new book.
While Biden publicly supported Harris’ campaign and the Democratic nomination, behind the scenes, he expressed significant concerns over how she would position his presidency, especially in the heat of the moment during the campaign.
Biden’s Private Concerns About Harris’ Independence
The moment is recounted in the book FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, which delves into Biden’s attempts to control Harris’ public narrative.
According to the authors, while Biden was outwardly supportive of Harris, he privately stressed the importance of maintaining a united front.
“Let there be no daylight between us,” Biden would remind her, reiterating his expectation that she would protect his legacy, especially after his early exit from the race.
A Chilling Phone Call Ahead of the Debate
As Harris prepared to face Trump in a high-stakes debate, Biden made an unusual call. The authors describe it as a “pep talk” that carried an undertone of caution.
Biden’s words were direct and clear: “No daylight, kid.” This wasn’t a typical motivational conversation; rather, it was a pointed reminder that Harris’ public alignment with Biden’s legacy was critical, regardless of how the debate unfolded.
Biden’s focus wasn’t on the outcome of the debate itself but on how his image would be preserved in the public eye.
Biden’s Reluctance to Let Harris Find Her Own Path
Biden’s emphasis on loyalty and unity left little room for Harris to carve out her own identity.
According to the authors, Biden was intent on preventing Harris from distancing herself from him, particularly during an event watched by millions.
The President’s reluctance to allow Harris any space to establish her independence during the campaign became one of the many challenges that weighed heavily on her candidacy.
Upcoming Books Reveal More About the End of Biden’s Presidency
The release of FIGHT coincides with the upcoming publication of other books shedding light on the final years of Biden’s presidency.
Another book, Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History, paints a picture of Biden struggling with diminished capacity, with reports that he needed fluorescent tape to guide him through the White House.
Biden Seen as a Burden During the Campaign
As the campaign wore on, Biden’s presence was seen by many as a burden on Harris. His involvement, particularly with his staff staying close to Harris’ campaign, made it difficult for her to carve out a path separate from his influence.
A tense moment between Harris’ advisor, Sean Clegg, and Biden’s team showed the friction between the two sides.
Clegg’s attempt to highlight the accomplishments of Biden and Harris together was quickly shot down.
“Let’s not do this. Let’s not go down memory lane,” he was quoted saying, signaling the deep tensions behind the scenes.
The Fallout From Biden’s Debate Performance
The narrative also touches on Biden’s disastrous debate performance in June, which led to his exit from the race.
Senior Harris advisor David Plouffe criticized Biden for not stepping down earlier, citing the “cardinal sin” of the race: the failure to allow for a proper primary process.
The internal polling was dire, with the numbers for key demographics like Hispanic, Black, and Asian voters looking bleak.
It was only after Biden’s departure that the campaign was able to attempt a recovery, but even then, it was clear that much work remained to be done.
A Campaign in Crisis
The internal struggles became more apparent when Plouffe joined the campaign in the final months. His assessment was blunt: “It was catastrophic in terms of where it was.”
The polling data painted a grim picture, especially in the Sun Belt and the Blue Wall.
The campaign’s road to recovery was rocky, and many viewed it as more of a rescue mission than a victorious comeback.
The challenges in rallying young voters and minority groups were particularly stark.
The dramatic behind-the-scenes moments outlined in the new books offer a sobering look at the final chapters of Biden’s presidency and the strain it placed on Harris as she navigated her own path.
