Top aides to Kamala Harris are grappling with how to differentiate her from Joe Biden as they head into the final month of the 2024 presidential race. Despite trying to distance herself from Biden, Harris keeps being pulled back to his side due to official business at the White House. Harris aides are looking at rolling out new plans and promises to showcase her differences from Biden on issues such as abortion rights and the southern border. The challenge lies in communicating these differences effectively to undecided low-intensity voters in a short race.
Running as an extension of the president could be detrimental, so Harris’s team is focused on asserting what she stands for. There are no plans for another joint campaign event between Harris and Biden before the election. Harris wants to create space from Biden while remaining loyal and aiming to win. However, there is tension in the campaign regarding the balance between leaning on Biden for support and establishing her own independent identity as a presidential candidate.
Biden is seen as a potential obstacle for Harris’s chances of winning the election, with Democrats feeling frustrated that Trump’s offensive statements and legal problems haven’t shifted his support. Harris faces challenges in navigating her relationship with the president, as well as addressing issues such as the escalating violence in the Middle East and economic recovery. Separating from Biden is proving to be difficult, especially when it comes to conveying a clear contrast between her and the current administration.
Research has shown that statements highlighting a break from Biden perform better for Harris in terms of voter support. Biden’s presence in the campaign has sparked discussions among Harris aides about how to position her as a candidate distinct from him. There is a push to focus on the future and contrast Harris with Trump rather than Biden. Harris’s recent visit to the US-Mexican border showcased her independence from Biden in policy decisions and messaging.
In the final stretch of the campaign, Biden remains supportive of Harris’s efforts to win the election. Despite frustrations and challenges, Biden is committed to helping Harris succeed and has expressed his willingness to travel to battleground states on her behalf. While there may be some disagreements and tensions within the campaign, both Biden and Harris are focused on the common goal of securing victory in the upcoming election. Overall, the campaign is navigating a complex dynamic between loyalty to Biden, differentiation from him, and the need to establish Harris as a strong, independent candidate.
