A new report from Reuters reveals that U.S. President Joe Biden is frustrated with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The outlet reports: "While the pair have a good working relationship, Democratic sources say Biden has frustrations about some of her work."
Reuters published this report in the context of the 2024 race for the U.S. presidency. Biden has yet to officially announce his reelection campaign, but he has clearly indicated that he will seek reelection. And so, it is believed that it is only a matter of time before he makes the announcement.
While there are many questions about Biden, with regard to 2024, there seem to be equally as many - if not more - questions about Harris.
The simple fact is that Harris has not been the most popular vice president in history. Real Clear Politics currently puts Harris's average approval rating at only 38.8%. She has scored much lower on individual polls.
A good part of this lack of popularity likely stems from the fact that she has not accomplished anything of note as vice president. Reuters, which is certainly not a politically conservative media outlet, admits this, writing:
The first woman vice president is gearing up for another national campaign despite low poll ratings, a failure to win over the Washington establishment, and concern among fellow Democrats about an underwhelming start in the job.
It is with this in mind that many have raised questions about Harris with regard to 2024, including whether Harris really ought to once again be Biden's running mate.
Biden, himself, has recently made it clear that he intends to seek reelection in 2024 with Harris by his side. Harris has also stated that she intends to seek reelection to the vice presidency.
Reuters confirms this, reporting, "U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris may not have won over America in her first two years in office, but she is staying put at President Joe Biden's side."
That being said, the sources with whom Reuters spoke indicated that Biden hasn't exactly been thrilled with the job Harris has done. In fact, Reuters reports that one of the reasons Biden is seeking reelection is that he doesn't believe that Harris would be a viable presidential candidate for the Democrats.
Reuters reports a "former official" as saying, "If he did not think she was capable, he would not have picked her. But it is a question of consistently rising to the occasion."
The outlet further reports:
Some Democrats, including people who have worked in Biden's West Wing, expressed disappointment that Harris has not stepped up more on critical issues, taking advantage of her platform and inoculating herself -- and her running mate -- against the criticism that could overshadow their next campaign.
Reuters, in its report, attempts to look at this whole situation with optimism, suggesting that 2024 is an opportunity for Harris to right the ship, so to speak. But, the outlet also highlights what may end up being a serious problem here for Biden and the Democrats, writing:
If [Biden] wins and becomes ill or cannot fulfill his duties, Harris, 58, would succeed him. That reality will hang over their 2024 re-election bid.
This is the thought that may keep many Americans away from voting for Biden/Harris.
