A new book titled "Original Sin," authored by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, unveils tensions that surfaced between former Vice President Kamala Harris and CNN anchor Anderson Cooper during a summer 2024 interview, Fox News reported.
Harris reportedly used harsh language to express her frustration with Cooper following a contentious interview in which he questioned Biden’s debate performance against Trump.
The interview, held in June 2024, involved Cooper posing tough questions to Harris regarding President Biden’s debate performance against his opponent, Donald Trump. Cooper’s line of questioning suggested that Biden’s debate presence raised concerns among Democrats.
During the exchange, Cooper referenced comments from Democrats labeling the debate as a “disaster” and a “trainwreck,” which led to Harris emphasizing the importance of substance over style in assessing a presidency. She maintained that the presidency’s value lies not in successful debate appearances but in achievements and governance.
Cooper probed deeper, drawing comparisons between Biden’s debate performance in 2024 and four years earlier. He inquired about the observed differences in Biden’s demeanor, pressing Harris for her perspective on the contrasts that had emerged over time.
Visibly frustrated, Harris responded with a focus on Biden’s tenure, underscoring his performance over the past three and a half years as opposed to the recent debate critiques. Her retorts echoed her stance on evaluating Biden’s historic accomplishments over mere moments on stage.
After the interview, Harris was reportedly displeased with Cooper’s approach, vocalizing her irritation in remarks made to her colleagues. Harris criticized Cooper with strong language for what she perceived as a lack of respect, noting, “This doesn’t treat me like the damn vice president of the United States.”
Additionally, Harris reflected on her previously high regard for Cooper, stating to colleagues, "I thought we were better than that," indicating a sense of personal betrayal by the interview's tone.
In documenting these remarks, Tapper and Thompson’s book characterizes Harris's response as personal, despite Cooper posing questions reflective of national concerns.
The heart of the tension centered on Cooper's insistence on discussing Biden’s debate performance, with Harris’s responses emphasizing an overarching view of Biden’s presidency rather than short-term evaluations. Harris argued that “this election and who is the president of the United States has to be about substance.”
When pressured further by Cooper's inquiries, Harris retorted, emphasizing the longevity of Biden’s leadership over fleeting debate moments. Her replies highlighted her focus on the cumulative achievements of the administration rather than the immediate evaluations stemming from a single debate.
Throughout the interview, Harris demonstrated her loyalty to Biden, aiming to steer the dialogue toward positive achievements rather than dwelling on critical debate feedback.
The revelations from "Original Sin" illuminate the behind-the-scenes tensions Harris experienced following the interview. The book describes her reaction as a strong response to Cooper’s line of questioning, which she perceived as challenging her authority and Democratic ideals.
In highlighting this episode, the book adds another layer to understanding Harris’s role and responses in the 2024 political climate. It underscores the fragile balance of media interactions and political communication in high-stakes environments.
