President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday that Kamala Harris will not act as a carbon copy of his own administration, a quiet nod to a key challenge facing his vice president as he enters the final stretch of his campaign: How to differentiate himself from her record.
Delivered during what turned out to be a rare campaign stop for the incumbent, Biden said Harris’ loyalty — until now — doesn’t mean he won’t push his own way.
“Donald Trump’s perspective is outdated and failed and frankly completely dishonest,” he added.
Both Biden and Harris are trying to strike out as they face some pressure to differentiate themselves from the current president.
After announcing in September that he would be “on the road” since Labor Day, Biden’s campaign schedule has been clear this fall — interrupted but complicated by a string of urgent domestic and foreign crises that require his attention. His presence on the track reminds voters of the side Harris is trying to get back to.
Tuesday’s event — a ticketed dinner to raise money for Philadelphia Democrats — was one of the few political appearances the president has made since Harris won the Democratic nomination.
“I’m one of the few people in American history to be vice president and president,” Biden said. He stood in front of the boards bearing the name “Kamala”.
I know both jobs and I can tell you what they do, Kamala Harris has been a great vice president. He will also be a great president,” he said.
The campaign and the White House have not yet detailed what Biden’s campaign schedule will look like until Nov. 5, less than three weeks before the election. One deployment under consideration is a tour through Pennsylvania, a source close to the campaign said. With state governor Josh Shapiro. Biden previewed such a swing in an interview weeks ago.
Read more about Biden’s Role in Campaigning for Harris Before Election Day.
