Allies of Joe Biden are reportedly gearing up to “escalate” a narrative surrounding Kamala Harris, especially if discussions about the former president’s cognitive abilities arise, according to a seasoned political journalist.
The term “Parinek,” as described by Mark Halperin, refers to Harris’ role as Biden’s vice president and is likened to Sarah Palin’s controversial candidacy. Halperin suggested that if Team Biden decided to shift focus toward Harris, the implications of “Parinek” would emerge, highlighting the extent of Biden’s efforts to support her vice presidency.
“This hasn’t really been widely reported. But if folks around Biden feel threatened by Kamala, there’s a lot of backstory there,” Halperin added during a recent episode of “Morning Meeting.”
Previously this week, Harris announced her decision not to run for governor of California. In light of her past, Halperin highlighted that memories of the 2008 election linger, especially how Sarah Palin was perceived as unprepared during her time alongside John McCain.
Some campaign staff claimed Palin famously struggled with basic knowledge, such as understanding that Africa is a continent and recognizing the three countries part of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
“If Biden’s people start feeling uneasy, they will certainly bring up Harris’s vice presidency,” Halperin argued, suggesting that, although they currently maintain a degree of camaraderie, tensions could rise significantly if both sides perceived a threat.
Halperin expressed doubts about Harris’s ability to contain any potential backlash if these revelations take off.
In their book, “Original Sin,” journalists Alex Thompson and Jake Tupper elaborate on the frustrations some Biden loyalists felt regarding Harris. The authors noted that her involvement was sometimes more of a “normal headache,” as she moved away from politically intense situations.
According to them, Harris frequently shied away from seemingly minor tasks, which left some on Biden’s team questioning her commitment and abilities. Some even expressed regret, suggesting they should have selected Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer instead in 2020.
Concerns about Biden’s cognitive health and his reliance on autopen signatures have become a focal point for Republicans. However, it remains unclear whether the GOP-led House Oversight Committee plans to involve Harris in any future testimonies regarding these matters.
