The Biden administration has acknowledged “rebranding” in recognition of Vice President Kamala Harris’ growing power.
The moment: “Is there anything to be read into, sort of, the rebranding of the ‘Biden administration’ to the ‘Biden Harris administration’? asked a reporter at Tuesday’s White House daily briefing.
- The reporter pointed out that the White House website defies recent tradition by prominently referring to the “Biden-Harris Administration.”
“I would take from it that Vice President Harris is an important partner,” responded White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “She’s the first in the room, the last in the room on most occasions if she’s in town and not traveling around the country.”
- “It’s a reflection of the important role she will play moving forward,” Psaki added.
Harris’ top billing on the White House website does not appear to be new, but a Fox News report on Monday drew attention to the matter.
- Under the two prior presidents, Donald Trump and Barack Obama, the webpage in question was simply titled “The Administration.”
The bio of the Biden White House’s main Twitter page also reads, “Welcome to the Biden-Harris White House!”
Context: President Joe Biden has gone out of his way to present Harris as his ruling partner, and he last week put her in charge of handling the crisis at the southern border.
- Both members of the Democratic duo have fueled speculation that Harris is the real power in the White House, or soon to be, with gaffes during public addresses.
- On at least two occasions, Biden has referred to Harris as his boss, and she once looked forward to a “Harris administration together with Joe Biden.”
