Dems Worry Dysfunction In Harris’ Office Will Hurt Other Female Candidates

Departures from Vice President Kamala Harris’ office have Democratic operatives worried about Harris’ impact on future female candidates and the potential harm associated with her could cause, according to a report from Axios.

“It’s going to set women back when it comes to running for higher office for years to come.”

Harris’ chief spokesperson Symone Sanders announced she would be leaving her position by the end of the month, while communications director Ashley Etienne previously announced she would be exiting as well.

The potential to face career setbacks as a result of being labeled a “Harris person” is responsible for some of the rapid turnover in the office, Axios reported. Harris’ approval rating has been consistently low, with one USA Today poll reporting it at a mere 28% in November, while reports of dysfunction in her office have also plagued Harris’ tenure.

“If we mess this up, it’s going to set women back when it comes to running for higher office for years to come,” a Democratic operative close to the vice president’s office reportedly told Axios. Another operative close to the office reportedly said the pressure was on Harris’ chief of staff, Tina Flournoy, to keep the office from collapsing.

The publication was reportedly told that a number of Harris staffers are seeking to work on President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, while others in the office simply don’t want to be closely aligned with Harris should a promising Democratic candidate step up in 2024.

One Democratic operative pushed back on the above allegations, reportedly telling Axios that no Harris staffers think being associated with her would cause career harm. Other operatives said some of the turnover is natural because of the exhaustion of a busy first year in office.

Sanders is also set to be married next year and has yet to go on a tour for her book, “No, You Shut Up,” released in 2020 due to the pandemic and Biden’s presidential campaign, Axios reported.