Biden's Ex-Chief of Staff Says Harris Did Not Succeed as VP

In a candid admission, Ron Klain, former chief of staff to President Joe Biden, acknowledged that Vice President Kamala Harris has struggled in her role, particularly as the nation faced significant challenges such as rising inflation and a surge in migration. Klain noted that Harris was instrumental in the administration's approach to these issues and was the last person to speak with Biden before the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan. He expressed disappointment that, despite a united front supporting her success, the administration could not find a clear path forward. Klain's remarks, made during an interview with the New York Times, highlighted the complexities of Harris's position and the expectations placed upon her. He emphasized the importance of loyalty and focus on the mission, suggesting that these elements may have been lacking in her tenure. Klain, who has since transitioned to a private sector role, reflected on the challenges faced by the administration during his time in office. Jeffrey Zients, Biden's current chief of staff, reinforced Klain's comments, stating that Harris was deeply involved in the administration's decision-making processes. Zients recalled that Biden had specifically instructed him to ensure Harris's involvement in all significant decisions, underscoring her integral role in the administration. Some Democrats, however, have defended Harris, attributing her struggles to the learning curve associated with her new position. Representative James Clyburn suggested that she was not given adequate time to adapt, while Representative Henry Cuellar expressed foresight regarding her challenges, particularly in managing migration at the southern border.