Conservative commentators have suggested [1] that Joe Biden’s recent remarks tying Kamala Harris closely to his administration’s record could benefit former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
On Friday, Biden made an unexpected appearance in the White House briefing room—his first since taking office—where he discussed several pressing issues, including the averted port workers strike, positive job numbers, and potential requests for additional Hurricane Helene relief funding from Congress.
During the briefing, Biden was asked about Harris’s role amid various domestic and international crises.
He responded by emphasizing their close collaboration. “Well, she’s—I’m in constant contact with her. She’s aware—we’re all—we’re singing from the same song sheet.
She helped pass all the laws that are being employed,” Biden said. “Now, she was a major player in everything we’ve done, including passage of legislation which we were told we could never pass. And so she’s been—and her staff is interlocked with mine in terms of all the things we’re doing.”
Democrats: “Kamala Harris wasn’t President, you can’t blame her for the last 3.5 years.”
Literally Biden: “We’re singing from the same song sheet. She helped pass all the laws. She was a major player in everything we’ve done.” pic.twitter.com/v2Tqc3rJMe [2]
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) October 4, 2024 [3]
These comments prompted a wave of reactions from conservative figures on social media, who interpreted Biden’s statements as advantageous to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Fox News contributor Joe Concha shared on social media, “Look ma. A campaign ad!”
Look ma. A campaign ad! https://t.co/zO7adtpQGM [4]
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) October 4, 2024 [5]
Similarly, Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita quipped, “I’m Donald Trump and I approved this message.”
I’m Donald Trump and I approved this message https://t.co/KCN5lPT5fv [6]
— Chris LaCivita (@LaCivitaC) October 4, 2024 [7]
Fox News contributor Guy Benson echoed this sentiment, writing, “I’m Donald Trump, and I approve this message.”
“I’m Donald Trump, and I approve this message” https://t.co/m8j74nxey9 [8]
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) October 4, 2024 [9]
Sky News host Rita Panahi responded with laughter, stating, “Hahahaha! Thanks Joe.”
Hahahaha! Thanks Joe. https://t.co/SnHbk3wzqJ [10]
— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) October 4, 2024 [11]
Virginia Kruta of the Daily Wire posed a rhetorical question: “If Biden were actively trying to tank Kamala’s campaign, what would he be doing differently?”
If Biden were *actively trying* to tank Kamala’s campaign, what would he be doing differently? https://t.co/ZiuzEPvi1z [12]
— Virginia Kruta (@VAKruta) October 4, 2024 [13]
CNN pundit Scott Jennings added, “He is literally trying to destroy her campaign and it’s just incredible.”
He is literally trying to destroy her campaign and it’s just incredible. https://t.co/bbOJ25Tmvg [14]
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 4, 2024 [15]
Adding to the intrigue, Biden’s surprise briefing coincided almost exactly with Harris’s appearance at a significant event in Detroit, Michigan.
Harris began speaking at 2:04 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, aiming to connect with union workers and rally support. Just two minutes later, at 2:06 p.m., Biden took to the White House briefing room podium.
Major networks covering Harris’s speech switched their broadcasts to focus on the president, effectively overshadowing her event.
CNN host Boris Sanchez highlighted the timing during the network’s coverage. “We were actually about to go live to Vice President Kamala Harris, who’s speaking right now in Detroit, Michigan, and apparently she’s talking about this port strike ending,” Sanchez said. “She’s trying to appeal to union workers, and yet you have the president of the United States come out, clearly overshadowing her, answering significant questions.”
Today, Washington saw a ghost: @JoeBiden [16], who made a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room. @KamalaHarris [17] was scheduled to speak at the exact same time, but Biden stole the national spotlight. Even worse, he told America that Kamala Harris co-signed all of the… pic.twitter.com/6dacM8NHuC [18]
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) October 5, 2024 [19]
Digital strategist Greg Price commented on the situation, noting the simultaneous appearances. “Kamala began speaking in Michigan at 2:04 EST. Biden went to the White House briefing room two minutes later for the first time since he took office,” Price wrote on social media. “All of the networks then cut from Kamala to Biden. Biden then said he and Kamala are ‘singing from the same song sheet. She’s a major player in everything that we’ve done.’ He absolutely despises her lol.”
Kamala began speaking in Michigan at 2:04 EST
Biden went to the White House briefing room two minutes later for the first time since he took office.
All of the networks then cut from Kamala to Biden
Biden then said he and Kamala are “singing from the same song sheet. She’s a…
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 4, 2024 [20]
The overlapping events and Biden’s remarks have fueled speculation about internal dynamics within the administration, especially as Harris positions herself for a potential presidential run.
Some analysts suggest that Biden’s actions may inadvertently or intentionally undermine her campaign efforts.
The developments come as the nation faces multiple challenges, including recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, which has caused significant damage across several states.
Biden mentioned that he might request additional funding from Congress to support relief initiatives.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the interplay between Biden and Harris continues to draw attention, with conservatives closely monitoring and commenting on any signs of discord or strategic missteps within the Democratic Party.