NewsBiden drops out as Harris takes center stage amid scandal

Biden drops out as Harris takes center stage amid scandal

In the past, serious allegations were made against Kamala Harris.
In the past, serious allegations were made against Kamala Harris.
Images source: © Getty Images

22 July 2024 12:21

Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential re-election race has sparked massive media discussion. He mentioned Kamala Harris as a potential successor, who has faced serious allegations in the past.

Joe Biden announced that he is withdrawing from the presidential re-election race. As he stated, he supports the candidacy of his vice president, Kamala Harris, in the race for the White House, but it’s not clear yet who will fill the electoral gap left by him. Not everyone is convinced that this would be a good choice, as serious allegations were previously made against her in "The Washington Post."

Kamala Harris has a serious scandal in her past - Allegations of bullying arose

The media reported on the matter at the end of 2021. It was then, in an article by Cleve R. Wootson Jr. and Tyler Pager, that it was conveyed that the authors had reached out to 18 people who strongly criticized her management style. They particularly pointed out the alleged unpleasant atmosphere and bullying surrounding Harris. These were also said to be reasons for the significant turnover among her staff.

Who are the next talented people you're going to bring in and destroy, and then pretend they leave for positive reasons? - Gil Duran, a former Democratic strategist who worked with her for five months, speculated.

Another former subordinate recalled "soul-crushing criticism."

It becomes clear that you're not working with someone who wants to prepare and work hard. In dealing with Kamala, you have to be ready for soul-crushing criticism and her lack of self-confidence. You're constantly trying to support a tyrant, and it’s not entirely clear why - another person said anonymously.

The article mentioned that Harris's office declined to comment on the matter. Sean Clegg, a former adviser to Kamala, defended her. He admitted that the politician is indeed a tough boss, but he did not regard her as being abusive towards her coworkers.

People take a lot of things personally. But I never felt that Kamala treated me unfairly; we have a long history of working together. Does she call out incompetence? Yes. Does it make someone feel uncomfortable? Yes. But if she were a man with such a management style, she would have her own TV show - he argued.

Jen Psaki pointed out that such high turnover around Harris is natural.

From my experience, it’s natural for employees to give their all and then move on to new challenges in life. This applies to these individuals as well.

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden
Kamala Harris and Joe Biden© Getty Images | Kevin Dietsch
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris© Getty Images | Justin Sullivan
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris© Getty Images | Chris duMond