Exasperation and dysfunction: Inside Kamala Harris' frustrating start as vice president

[brooklynite]

CNN

(CNN)Worn out by what they see as entrenched dysfunction and lack of focus, key West Wing aides have largely thrown up their hands at Vice President Kamala Harris and her staff -- deciding there simply isn't time to deal with them right now, especially at a moment when President Joe Biden faces quickly multiplying legislative and political concerns.

The exasperation runs both ways. Interviews with nearly three dozen former and current Harris aides, administration officials, Democratic operatives, donors and outside advisers -- who spoke extensively to CNN -- reveal a complex reality inside the White House. Many in the vice president's circle fume that she's not being adequately prepared or positioned, and instead is being sidelined. The vice president herself has told several confidants she feels constrained in what she's able to do politically. And those around her remain wary of even hinting at future political ambitions, with Biden's team highly attuned to signs of disloyalty, particularly from the vice president.

She's a heartbeat away from the presidency now. She could be just a year away from launching a presidential campaign of her own, given doubts throughout the political world that Biden will actually go through with a reelection bid in 2024, something he's pledged to do publicly and privately. Or she'll be a critical validator in three years for a President trying to get the country to reelect him to serve until he's 86.

Few of the insiders who spoke with CNN think she's being well-prepared for whichever role it will be. Harris is struggling with a rocky relationship with some parts of the White House, while long-time supporters feel abandoned and see no coherent public sense of what she's done or been trying to do as vice president. Being the first woman, and first woman of color, in national elected office is historic but has also come with outsized scrutiny and no forgiveness for even small errors, as she'll often point out.

[DURHAM D]

1. She does not need to be "prepared".

She was born ready for the Presidency.

What a butt load of crap this is from CNN and others pushing similar bs.

[brooklynite]

2. So you're saying that CNN is running a false story?

Interviews with nearly three dozen former and current Harris aides, administration officials, Democratic operatives, donors and outside advisers -- who spoke extensively to CNN -- reveal a complex reality inside the White House. Many in the vice president's circle fume that she's not being adequately prepared or positioned, and instead is being sidelined. The vice president herself has told several confidants she feels constrained in what she's able to do politically. And those around her remain wary of even hinting at future political ambitions, with Biden's team highly attuned to signs of disloyalty, particularly from the vice president.

[DURHAM D]

4. I am saying CNN is desperate to find a story.

What are you doing?

[brooklynite]

7. I'm passing along a reported story

If the story is true, it doesn't matter if CNN is "looking" for it or not. The issue remains factual.

FYI - I had a get-together last night with a group of friends, including a Pulitzer Prize winning author and an NPR reporter. Everyone agreed that Harris is being constrained by the Biden Administration and is not getting her message out.

[BeyondGeography]

11. Veeps don't have a message, they have roles to play

And those are a function of their previously established strengths. Your dinner convo might have dealt with that angle. Sounds like a missed opportunity.

[emulatorloo]

12. 'Democrats in Disarray' is a repeated narrative spin from lazy reporters at Politico and CNN

You’re “passing along” garbage spin.

Try not to be so naive

Link to tweet

[MerryBlooms]

10. You're correct. The CNN segment doesn't

Match the OP narrative. More divisive bs.

[Tomconroy]

6. Hmmmmm. You would have thought I'd be the one to post

This story. Only time in my life I've used discretion.

[Blue Owl]

3. Remember when CNN blasted Pence for being an inept, useless VP?

Neither do I…

[DURHAM D]

5. This

[brooklynite]

8. "Trump supporter: Where the hell is Pence?"

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/09/06/amy-kremer-trump-supporter-pence-sot-ebof-vpx.cnn

Protesters troll Mike Pence with dance party

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/06/16/mike-pence-protesters-columbus.hln

Is tension brewing between Trump and Pence?

https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2018/05/15/ip-pence.cnn

Why is Trump asking around about Pence's loyalty?

https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2018/11/16/lead-panel-2-pence-live-jake-tapper.cnn

[Mme. Defarge]

9. Does that explain this Tweet from Ms. Psaki?

Jen Psaki
@PressSec

United States government official
For anyone who needs to hear it. @VP is not only a vital partner to @POTUS but a bold leader who has taken on key, important challenges facing the country—from voting rights to addressing root causes of migration to expanding broadband.
6:20 PM · Nov 14, 2021
31.7K
11.3K
Share this Tweet

[canetoad]

13. Unrec

Shit-stirring.

[Dorian Gray]

14. Sounds like

their beef is more with the media than the President's team.

[BlackSkimmer]

15. Sounds to me like she might have a grumbling team, more focused on their own potential rise.

Perhaps they should focus on making this administration a success.

I’ll bet it isn’t Harris herself behind this.

[ananda]

16. This is biased nonsense. Kamala has done great!

!!!