Ian Sams, a well-known figure in the Biden administration, is set to transition to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign as a senior national spokesperson and senior adviser for rapid response.
Sams’s move comes as several key White House personnel are also shifting roles to bolster Harris’s campaign efforts, as the Washington Post reports.
Sams, who has spent the past two years with the White House, will bring his experience to Harris’s team as she navigates the challenges of the campaign trail. His role will involve defending Harris’s record, channeling her voice and style, and appearing on television to address critical issues.
Before this transition, Sams served as a spokesperson for oversight and investigations within the Biden administration. His work in this capacity has been instrumental in managing sensitive matters, particularly those requiring careful communication with the public and media.
During the 2020 presidential campaign, Sams was Harris’s national press secretary, a role that prepared him for the rapid response demands he will face in the upcoming campaign. His experience at the Department of Health and Human Services, where he contributed to the pandemic response, further solidifies his credentials in handling high-pressure situations.
Joining Sams in this move is Kristen Orthman, who will also leave the White House to join Harris’s campaign. Orthman, previously the principal deputy communications director at the White House, will assume the role of senior adviser for planning.
Orthman’s experience extends beyond her recent White House tenure. She served as communications director at the Democratic National Committee and has a history of working on significant campaigns, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 presidential run and the campaigns of Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Harry M. Reid.
Herbie Ziskend will take over Orthman’s former role as deputy communications director at the White House. Ziskend will work closely with Ben LaBolt, the White House communications director, to ensure that President Biden’s legacy is effectively communicated. This internal reshuffling reflects a strategic effort by both the White House and Harris’s campaign to position experienced communicators in roles where their skills can be most effectively utilized.
Kate Berner, who began advising Harris’s campaign on communications after leaving the White House in June 2023, will now take on a more significant role. Berner’s work with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, has been critical in shaping his public image since joining the ticket.
Berner was present with Walz in Minneapolis when Harris first contacted him to discuss the vice-presidential nomination. Her involvement in his first day on the campaign trail underscores her deep connection to the current campaign strategy.
Harris has also brought in senior advisers from President Barack Obama’s campaigns, including David Plouffe, Stephanie Cutter, Mitch Stewart, and David Binder. These additions aim to strengthen the campaign’s strategic direction while maintaining the existing leadership structure.
Sams’s transition to Harris’s campaign, along with Orthman’s and Berner’s expanding roles, signifies a concerted effort to assemble a team of experienced and capable professionals. These moves are seen as essential for navigating the complex political landscape ahead of the 2024 election.
The decision to bring on seasoned operatives from the Obama era further demonstrates the campaign’s focus on solidifying its approach while drawing on proven expertise. As the campaign progresses, the impact of these staffing changes will likely become more evident, particularly as Harris’s team works to communicate her vision and respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
