Former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly expressed strong disapproval toward CNN anchor Anderson Cooper following a heated interview about President Joe Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump in 2024.
A new book, Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, provides details of Harris's harsh reaction in which she conveyed her frustration over Cooper's line of questioning, as Fox News reports.
In 2024, Harris participated in a tense interview with Cooper on CNN, which centered around Joe Biden's performance in a recent debate against Trump. The discussion primarily focused on criticisms from within the Democratic Party, with some members branding Biden's performance as calamitous. Cooper referenced these critiques during their exchange.
Harris was tasked with defending Biden against allegations regarding his mental acuity compared to his earlier years. Cooper pressed on, asking Harris whether Biden appeared different now compared to when she debated him four years prior. In response, Harris emphasized the substantive nature of Biden’s presidency, suggesting that the entirety of his service should outweigh any perceived debate missteps.
Her defense was firm as she underscored the importance of evaluating Biden's entire term. "People can debate on style points, but ultimately, this election and who is the president of the United States has to be about substance," Harris articulated, prioritizing the full scope of Biden’s political accomplishments over any isolated debate performance.
The aftermath of the interview saw Harris revealing her discontent to colleagues. Tapper and Thompson's book records Harris as being visibly incensed by Cooper's approach, feeling that she was not treated with the respect befitting her former office. She reportedly used a derogatory term to express her dissatisfaction.
In the moments following the interview, Harris reportedly lamented the perceived lack of respect. She purportedly said to her colleagues, "This motherf----- doesn’t treat me like the damn vice president of the United States," clearly indicating her personal affront to the line and tone of questioning.
Her apparent exasperation continued with her suggestion of a prior expectation of a more respectful interaction with the anchor. "I thought we were better than that," she is alleged to have stated, expressing a feeling of disappointment.
The exchange between Harris and Cooper was marked by pointed questions regarding Biden's capability, raising issues often discussed in political circles. Cooper drew attention to Democratic critiques labeling Biden's debate performance as lacking vigor or strategic effectiveness.
In contrast, Harris resolved to steer the conversation towards Biden’s accomplishments during his tenure. She resisted engaging in a protracted focus on a singular event, articulating her belief in evaluating a long-haul performance over a short-term display.
However, the book Original Sin describes Harris's frustration, noting that her reaction was sparked by what she saw as a personal affront in the form of the interview's intensity. The authors detail how Harris perceived the line of questioning as disrespectful, adding layers to her discontent.
Efforts to procure an additional statement from Harris’ representatives have been unproductive. They have not responded to inquiries made by Fox News Digital in the wake of the reported incident. The incident, as recounted in Original Sin, provides a glimpse into the tension experienced by high-profile politicians under the scrutiny of media lenses. For Harris, the clash exemplified the high stakes and pressures of defending an administration under fire while managing public perception.
Cooper's grilling included a mention of dreaded labels affixed by Democratic Party voices themselves, who voiced concern over Biden's otherwise historic presidential term. Harris sought to quell these concerns by redirecting attention to the broader achievements of the administration.
Ultimately, the source of Harris's frustration seemed to stem from her treatment during the interview. She conveyed to colleagues a sense of feeling undermined, and in doing so, shed light on the challenges unique to the spotlight she maintained as vice president.
The situation highlighted the complex interplay between media figures and political leaders, each navigating the task of maintaining public image, managing criticisms, and articulating policy achievements during an era of heightened political scrutiny.
