Jill Biden goes ballistic over Kamala Harris acting like 'prosecutor' to seek Joe’s endorsement

In her new memoir, Jill Biden recounts the conversation on July 21, 2024, when Joe Biden told Kamala Harris of his decision to step down from the race
Jill Biden, in her new memoir 'View from the East Wing', accuses Kamala Harris of aggressively pushing Joe Biden to announce his endorsement (Getty Images)
Jill Biden, in her new memoir 'View from the East Wing', accuses Kamala Harris of aggressively pushing Joe Biden to announce his endorsement (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Jill Biden has pulled the curtain on the behind-the-scenes drama within the Democratic Party as she went scorched-earth on former Vice President Kamala Harris for aggressively pursuing former President Joe Biden's endorsement during the turbulent 2024 campaign.

In her new memoir, the former first lady accused Harris of acting like a “courtroom prosecutor” in insisting that Biden immediately endorse the former vice president after hanging up his boots in the presidential race.

Minutes after stepping aside, Biden moved swiftly to endorse Harris, effectively ending any talk of an open Democratic showdown before the Chicago convention. 

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks alongside first lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. The annual picnic welcomes all members of Congress and their families to the White House to greet the President and spend time on the White House grounds enjoying food, music and games. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Former President Joe Biden delivers remarks alongside former first lady Jill Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris at the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House on July 19, 2023, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jill Biden details Kamala Harris' push for a quick endorsement

Jill Biden, in her 'View from the East Wing', noted that Joe Biden’s endorsement for his running mate didn’t come as smoothly as it appeared.

She recounts the conversation on July 21, 2024, when the 46th president told his second-in-command that he had decided to step back from the race after a disastrous debate against President Donald Trump.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 27: U.S. President Joe Biden walks off stage during the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. President Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump are facing off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Former President Joe Biden walks off stage during the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The Bidens were at their beach home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and his phone was on speaker.

“Oh my God, Joe. Are you sure?” Jill recalls Harris saying before pushing for her boss’ backing, according to an excerpt published by USA Today.

The former first lady claims Harris immediately turned into a “courtroom prosecutor” and began aggressively pushing Biden to announce his endorsement of her to replace him on the Democratic ticket.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 10: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally with Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the University of Las Vegas Thomas & Mack Center on August 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kamala Harris and her newly selected running mate Tim Walz are campaigning across the country this week. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the University of Las Vegas Thomas & Mack Center on August 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

When he proposed waiting until the following morning, she pushed back, arguing that any delay could create an opportunity for other Democrats to rally behind an alternative candidate.

"I want it sooner," she insisted, to which Biden replied, "I'll call you back when I figure this out."

But Harris remained quite adamant, saying, "Could you do it soon? Say, in twenty minutes?"

At that time, Jill walked out of the room as she was fed up with Harris’ continuous pushing.

Jill Biden’s complicated relationship with Kamala Harris

Though their partnership appeared united in public, the roots of friction between Jill Biden and Kamala Harris reportedly stretch back to a pivotal 2019 debate, where Harris challenged Biden over his opposition to federally mandated busing programs.

The following week, the future first lady defended her husband on a conference call with supporters, saying in reference to Harris: “With what he cares about, what he fights for, what he’s committed to, you get up there and call him a racist without basis? Go f**k yourself.”

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: First lady Jill Biden delivers remarks alongside U.S. President Joe Biden prior to a performance by British singer-songwriter Sir Elton John on the South Lawn of the White House on September 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted the event titled “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,” to “celebrate the unifying and healing power of music, commend the life and work of Sir Elton John, and honor the everyday history-makers in the audience, including teachers, nurses, frontline workers, mental health advocates, students, LGBTQ+ advocates and more.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Former first lady Jill Biden delivers remarks alongside former President Joe Biden prior to a performance by British singer-songwriter Sir Elton John on the South Lawn of the White House on September 23, 2022, in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

After Joe clinched the Democratic nomination, Jill reportedly opposed selecting Harris as his running mate, questioning why the campaign should elevate someone who had publicly challenged him during the primary.

However, they managed to keep a smooth relationship in public after Joe won the presidential election.

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