Kamala Harris’ Reaction to CNN Interview with Anderson Cooper
Former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly expressed her frustration with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper following a tense interview post the criticism of President Joe Biden’s debate performance against Donald Trump in 2024.
In a conversation recounted by CNN’s Jake Tupper and political journalist Alex Thompson, Harris was quoted using an expletive to describe Cooper’s questioning about Biden’s cognitive health. She allegedly remarked to a colleague, “This mother**** doesn’t treat me like a damn US vice president.” This came after her interview with Cooper raised concerns among Democrats regarding Biden’s handling during the debate.
After the debate, there were criticisms about Biden’s delivery and clarity during a challenging 90-minute exchange with Trump. Cooper’s inquiries suggested that the Democratic Party was growing anxious and raised the question of whether Biden should consider stepping aside.
Harris defended Biden, noting that he had a “slow start” but finished “strongly,” emphasizing his three and a half years of accomplishments. Despite her defense, it was clear she was upset by Cooper’s approach, as she appeared visibly angry after the interview.
The book “Original Sin,” released on May 20, also provides insights into Biden’s preparation for the debate. It describes the struggles of the then 82-year-old president during mock sessions, sometimes taking naps on crucial preparation days and often experiencing vocal challenges. His advisors reported that his delivery was sometimes inconsistent, making it difficult for him to follow through with his responses.
The author suggests that aides at the White House have limited Biden’s public appearances, striving to manage the narrative while sometimes truncating statements in planned videos or using edited clips to avoid highlighting any missteps.
Following the debate, Biden attributed his performance issues to a cold. He has since announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has done so in over 50 years. Recently, Biden also disclosed that he has been diagnosed with progressive prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.
