A new book, Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, reveals a significant moment of tension between former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election campaign. The incident centers around a viral video showing Biden briefly wearing a “Trump 2024” hat, which reportedly left Harris and her campaign team frustrated and prompted a strategic distancing from Biden in the lead-up to the election.
The Incident
On September 11, 2024, during a visit to a firehouse in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Biden interacted with attendees, including children wearing pro-Trump attire. Encouraged by the crowd, he briefly donned a “Trump 2024” hat over his own fire department cap. The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media, with the Trump campaign seizing the opportunity to suggest bipartisan support.
Harris’s Reaction
According to the book, Harris, who had become the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew from the race in July 2024, was dismayed by the incident. She reportedly questioned, “What is he doing?” and described the gesture as “completely unhelpful” and “so unnecessary.” The event marked a turning point, leading Harris’s campaign to limit Biden’s public appearances to avoid further controversies.
Subsequent Challenges
Despite efforts to minimize Biden’s involvement, additional incidents complicated Harris’s campaign. Notably, Biden referred to Trump supporters as “garbage” during a campaign call, a remark that drew criticism and required clarification from the White House. These missteps underscored the challenges Harris faced in balancing loyalty to Biden with the need to establish her own platform.
Campaign Dynamics
The revelations from Original Sin highlight the complexities within the Democratic Party during the 2024 election cycle. Harris’s campaign grappled with the dual challenge of maintaining party unity while addressing the ramifications of Biden’s actions. The book provides insight into the strategic decisions made by Harris’s team in response to unforeseen challenges.
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