Former President Barack Obama is allegedly directing Kamala Harris' presidential campaign operations.
According to the New York Post, Kevin McCarthy, the former House Speaker, claims that Obama’s former advisers are orchestrating Harris’ campaign strategy and choices.
McCarthy stated that several of Obama's previous advisers are now actively involved in shaping Harris' campaign. Obama’s former attorney general, Eric Holder, is said to have assisted in selecting Harris' running mate. David Plouffe, who managed Obama’s 2008 campaign, now serves as a senior campaign aide for Harris.
Stephanie Cutter, deputy campaign manager for Obama’s 2012 re-election, oversees strategic messaging for Harris. Jim Margolis, a veteran of Obama’s campaigns and Harris' 2020 campaign, is reportedly joining Harris' team. Having served under Obama and Hillary Clinton, Jennifer Palmieri advises Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff.
Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, current chairwoman of Harris’ 2024 campaign, also has a background deeply rooted in Democratic campaigns, including Obama’s and Biden’s. McCarthy expressed particular concern over Harris' selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice-presidential candidate.
He believes this choice marks Harris' campaign as the most liberal in history. McCarthy suggests that instead of Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro would have been a more strategic selection. He emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania and Georgia in achieving electoral success. He questioned Harris' judgment in bypassing Shapiro, arguing it weakens her position on key issues.
Additionally, McCarthy criticized Harris for perceived inaction on issues related to Israel. He pointed out her absence from the Israeli prime minister's congressional address. He questioned her commitment to standing up to her party on this matter.
Harris's role as Vice President often required her to cast deciding votes in the Senate. McCarthy singled out her tie-breaking vote on pandemic stimulus bills as a cause of recent inflation.
McCarthy highlighted the financial struggles faced by American families due to supposed economic mismanagement. He blamed Harris for the economic hardships, claiming they were a direct result of the stimulus bills she supported.
McCarthy's remarks suggest that Obama's influence continues to permeate through Harris’ campaign. He portrayed her team as a continuation of Obama’s administration rather than a distinct entity.
Despite these criticisms, a former adviser to Obama indicated that Obama would only intervene in Harris' campaign if she requested his assistance. This implies a potentially more limited role than McCarthy suggests. Even as McCarthy's assertions stir debate, Harris and her team maintain that they are driving their own campaign strategy. They argue that they are focused on building broad support across the nation.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy claimed that Barack Obama is secretly managing Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, with key Obama-era advisers like David Plouffe and Stephanie Cutter playing significant roles. McCarthy criticized Harris' selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, labeling the Harris-Walz ticket as the most liberal in U.S. history.
He also questioned Harris' decision to overlook Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, suggesting it reflects a lack of support for Israel. A former Obama adviser, however, dismissed the idea that Obama is directly involved, noting that it is typical for experienced Democratic strategists to assist in multiple campaigns.
