Harris' Presidential Campaign Grapples with Internal Divisions and Leadership Issues

Kamala Harris' presidential campaign faces challenges due to a mix of Biden staffers and Obama loyalists, leading to concerns about cohesiveness and a lack of clear leadership.

Kamala Harris' presidential campaign is reportedly facing internal concerns about cohesiveness as loyalists from the vice president's team and former Obama staffers navigate their roles. This "Frankenstein" team, as it has been dubbed, has resulted in competing power centers and confusion about who is in charge.

The former Biden campaign messaging architect, Mike Donilon, has returned to the White House, but Harris has retained most of his other campaign staffers. She has also brought on her own aides and former Obama campaign operatives, creating a team with differing agendas.

Harris' Presidential Campaign Grapples with Internal Divisions and Leadership Issues

This arrangement has led to a lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities, with some staffers feeling marginalized. The campaign's attempt to avoid making Biden staffers feel cast aside has inadvertently created confusion and tension.

Some Biden campaign aides have reportedly felt that former Obama staffers have been second-guessing their moves, particularly their strategy of pushing Biden to exit the race. While some believe Harris is more electable than Biden, others are concerned about having to defend her past progressive stances.

Harris' Presidential Campaign Grapples with Internal Divisions and Leadership Issues

Harris has shifted her campaign messaging from Biden's focus on "democracy" to her own focus on "freedom" and "future." This change is seen as an attempt to appeal to a broader electorate while maintaining continuity with Biden's campaign.

Harris has brought back Marc Elias, a prominent election lawyer who worked on Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. Elias is now focused on vetting vice presidential running mates and Democrats' recount strategy.

Harris' Presidential Campaign Grapples with Internal Divisions and Leadership Issues

Despite the internal divisions, the short timeline to Election Day has prevented major conflicts. The urgency of the situation has forced the campaign to prioritize its goals and minimize distractions.

The presence of former Obama staffers on Harris' campaign has raised concerns about their potential influence on policy decisions. However, Harris has emphasized her independence and her commitment to her own vision for the country.

Harris' Presidential Campaign Grapples with Internal Divisions and Leadership Issues

Despite the internal challenges, some on Biden's team believe Harris is more electable than the president. Her recent debate performance against Trump has boosted her standing within the party.

Some Biden supporters have expressed disappointment that they now have to defend Harris' past policy positions. These stances, particularly on healthcare and energy, contributed to Biden's 2020 nomination win.

Despite Harris' shift in messaging and the short timeline to Election Day, concerns about cohesiveness and leadership within her campaign team persist. The ability of the campaign to overcome these challenges will be crucial to its success in the upcoming election.