President Biden's relationship with Vice President Jill Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff has been rocky since the vice president lost the election to President-elect Donald Trump, according to a new report. .
The Wall Street Journal reported On Monday, people familiar with the relationship said the “post-election relationship'' between the Bidens and the Harris family had at times become “frozen'' in private.
Harris became the top Democratic candidate to replace Biden in July after a weeks-long pressure campaign forced him to withdraw from the race. The president was hailed as a hero and patriot for dropping out, but in recent weeks has been criticized for not quitting sooner in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's victory.
The Journal cited First Lady Jill Biden and two people close to Harris, who accused the president of opposing federally mandated busing policies during a Democratic debate during the 2020 campaign. He has since pointed out that first lady Jill Biden does not like Harris.
President Joe Biden (left) and Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris (right) on stage at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Harris labels Trump supporters 'trash' and distances herself from Biden'
According to the newspaper, White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates and Vice Presidential Press Secretary Kristen Allen denied there was any conflict between the two men.
In the final weeks of the campaign, Harris' team was frustrated by the president's public appearances. Mr. Biden suddenly appeared in the White House briefing room in early October and made headlines in late October when he called Trump supporters “trash,” but the White House denied that he had any such intention.
Even after the president left office, Harris repeatedly defended the president against attacks on his age, fitness and ability to carry out his duties.
The Washington Post reported that Mr. Biden expressed regret at withdrawing from the race and said he believed he could have beaten Mr. Trump.
President Joe Biden, left, and Deputy Kamala Harris watch a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a National Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, November 11, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. president. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
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According to the Post, Mr. Biden has cautioned aides not to criticize Ms. Harris, even though he has maintained that he could have won.
The idea that the president would have won against Trump is not shared by other Biden aides in the White House, the Journal reported.
The Journal reported that White House staffers have described working conditions in recent weeks as “draining” and “depressing.”
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Biden acknowledged other mistakes, including his performance in the debate, and also said he regretted choosing Merrick Garland to be attorney general, the Post reported.
FOX News' Bree Stimson contributed to this report.
