Jamal Simmons prepares for Biden's death with a judge roster for Harris
- Kamala Harris' communications director created a strategy for her potential succession as president.
- The strategy included a list of federal judges to affirm her legitimacy if needed.
- Concerns about legitimacy stemmed from political tensions during Biden's presidency.
In a politically charged atmosphere in the United States, recent revelations have emerged regarding Kamala Harris' communication director Jamal Simmons. According to reports from a new book, Simmons designed a contingency plan in the event of President Joe Biden's sudden death. This plan included a meticulously compiled list of federal judges, specifically those appointed by Republican presidents, who could validate Harris' ascendancy to the presidency. The idea stemmed from a concern about her legitimacy, particularly in light of potential backlash from former President Donald Trump's supporters. Simmons' plan recalled the historic swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson on Air Force One after John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. He worried that Harris would face criticism and skepticism if she were thrust into the presidency without a strong institutional endorsement, especially considering the political tensions surrounding January 6th. Despite leaving the communications team in January 2023 without informing Harris of this strategical list or 'death-pool roster,' Simmons instructed colleagues to alert him immediately if anything happened to Biden. The book, authored by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, reflects on the broader implications of this political maneuvering amidst increasing scrutiny over Biden's mental fitness and questions about Harris's viability as a candidate for the 2024 presidential election. As the authors unraveled the internal dynamics of Harris’ campaign and the relationship with the Biden administration, they chronicled the layers of political strategy that shaped their actions and communications in a fraught political landscape.