A staged endorsement video featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama alongside his wife Michelle sparked widespread criticism and mockery online.
According to Daily Mail, the awkward video format was chosen due to financial desperation within Harris' campaign, which was struggling to make payroll just days after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.
The revelation comes from journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes in their upcoming book "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House." The authors detail how campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon opted for a video endorsement to save money and generate grassroots donations, but failed to communicate this strategy effectively to Harris' team.
The Harris campaign, inherited from Biden and run by Obama alumna Jen O'Malley Dillon, faced severe financial difficulties by mid-2024. Sources close to the campaign expressed concerns about meeting August payroll obligations. This financial strain ultimately influenced the decision to create a shareable video clip rather than organizing a major campaign event or settling for a simple tweet.
Communication breakdown between the Obama and Harris teams complicated the endorsement process. Harris' aides were initially confused by what they perceived as demands from the Obamas regarding the video format. The former first couple's team was equally bewildered, believing the video concept originated from Harris' campaign.
One campaign insider revealed O'Malley Dillon's true motivation for the video format. The source emphasized that while the video was intended to address financial concerns, the lack of transparency about this strategy created unnecessary tension between the teams.
The video was filmed on Wednesday, July 24, while Harris was in Indianapolis addressing the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. The filming required careful coordination to accommodate the Obamas' schedule, with specific constraints regarding video appearances.
Harris had to feign surprise and enthusiasm during the scripted call, despite the endorsement being an expected development. The final version showed Harris expressing apparent shock at finding both Obamas on the line together.
According to Allen and Parnes, the awkward presentation stemmed from prioritizing the appearance of unity over authenticity. The script was deliberately crafted to portray Harris as seeking the Obamas' blessing, reflecting the complex power dynamics at play.
Key insiders from both camps revealed the extensive negotiations required for what should have been a straightforward political endorsement. The process exposed deeper tensions within the Democratic establishment and Harris' campaign infrastructure.
The publication of these details in "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House" sheds new light on the internal workings of Harris' presidential campaign. The book suggests that financial constraints significantly influenced campaign decisions and strategy.
O'Malley Dillon did not respond to requests for comment about the video's conception and execution. This silence has left many questions unanswered about the campaign's decision-making process and financial management.
The complex reality behind Harris' endorsement video exposed significant challenges within her presidential campaign. The incident highlighted both financial difficulties and communication issues between key Democratic players just days after Biden's withdrawal from the race. Vice President Harris received the Obamas' endorsement through a video call that required extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations and careful scripting. The decision to create this format was driven by campaign financial struggles, though this motivation remained hidden from most participants.
