A new book by journalist Franklin Foer reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris exhibits a heightened sensitivity to criticism — which has become a source of major tensions within the administration of President Joe Biden.
In his soon-to-be released book “The Last Politician,” Foer alleges that Harris’s histrionic concern with how she is perceived by her colleagues has led them to compare her to a certain breed of furry mammal recognizable by their large, Obama-like ears.
“Harris possessed what one of her colleagues described as ‘rabbit ears,’” Foer wrote. “Whenever there was a hint of criticism of her — either in the West Wing or in the press — she seemed instantly aware of it,” Foer said. This acute awareness often led her to seek out those who might be speaking negatively about her.
“Rather than brushing it aside, she wanted to know who was speaking ill of her and what they were saying,” Foer said. Such sensitivity was evident when Harris, after reading a critical article about her team’s management, sidelined an aide she believed had collaborated with journalists.
“She let the criticism guide her,” Foer said. Harris’s approach to her assignment on Central America exemplifies this. Instead of committing to the task, she allowed prevailing opinions to influence her decisions, missing a chance to achieve something substantial. Foer further elaborates on the dynamics between Biden and Harris. While Biden extended impeccable respect toward Harris, he did not assign her the influential role he himself had during the Obama administration.
“He didn’t need Harris in the same way Obama needed Biden,” Foer said.
Ron Klain, familiar with the intricacies of the vice presidency, attempted to mentor Harris.
“He thought of himself as the building’s resident expert on the vice presidency, having worked for both Al Gore and Joe Biden as they sat in the second chair,” Foer said. However, Klain found it challenging to assist Harris effectively. Harris’ self-imposed constraints, such as her reluctance to handle women’s issues or racial matters and her desire for a predominantly female office with a black woman as chief of staff, perplexed Klain.
“To Klain’s ear, she was creating too many rules, and they made it hard for her to find her footing,” Foer said.
The vice president’s quest for defining her role was evident in her frequent attempts to expand her portfolio. Harris expressed interest in managing relations with Scandinavia, seeking a position away from the limelight. Yet, her request for a significant role in voting rights met with initial hesitation from Klain, undermining her confidence.
“But she was being guided by staff whom she didn’t know and didn’t especially trust,” Foer said. This lack of trust extended to Biden, who, despite initial promises of weekly meetings, gradually reduced their frequency.
The vice president’s office and the White House have yet to comment on these revelations. Readers can anticipate the release of “The Last Politician” by Penguin Random House this coming Tuesday.
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