Word on the political street is that Joe Biden’s inner circle is itching to spill some seriously unflattering tales about Kamala Harris if she dares to throw shade at the president’s mental sharpness.
The Daily Beast reported that veteran reporter Mark Halperin, speaking on his show "The Morning Meeting," dropped the bombshell that Biden’s allies are poised to unleash what he calls “Palinesque” stories about Harris’s time as vice president.
Halperin, who’s seen his share of political dust-ups as founder of the digital news network 2WAY, made it clear this dirt-digging is conditional—if Harris critiques Biden’s cognitive state while promoting her new book, "107 Days," the gloves are off.
Now, isn’t it curious how loyalty within the Democratic ranks seems to hinge on silence? One might think a party championing transparency would welcome an honest discussion, not threats of character assassination.
The term “Palinesque,” for those not steeped in political lore, harks back to Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential pick who faced brutal media scrutiny over claims of being unfit for office, including wild rumors about her geographical knowledge.
If Biden’s team follows through, Harris could be painted in a similarly harsh light, a tactic that smells more of revenge than principle. Conservatives might argue this is just the left eating its own, but it’s hard not to wince at the personal nature of such a potential smear.
Harris’ book, "107 Days," chronicles her shortened 2024 presidential campaign after Biden stepped aside as the Democratic nominee following a shaky debate performance against Donald Trump.
The title nods to the tight timeline she had to rally support—a timeline some Democrats grumble was far too short thanks to Biden’s late exit. It’s a fair critique, but one wonders if airing dirty laundry now helps anyone but the opposition.
Since losing to Trump in November 2024, Harris has kept a low profile, even announcing recently that she won’t run for California governor in 2026.
That retreat from the spotlight might be wise, given the storm Halperin warns could be brewing if she steps on Biden’s toes. Staying quiet may not be heroic, but it’s certainly strategic. Biden, for his part, has been dogged by reports of cognitive decline during his presidency, with whispers of his inner circle shielding the extent of his struggles.
A recent book, "Original Sin," by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, even claims aides mulled using a wheelchair for him and that he once failed to recognize actor George Clooney, a longtime acquaintance. While Biden insists he’s been calling the shots, a Republican-led congressional probe is digging into whether he truly was in charge.
Halperin didn’t hold back on the potential fallout, saying, “If the Biden people decide that Kamala is coming after Joe Biden, wait till you hear the Palinesque stories.”
That’s a warning shot if there ever was one, suggesting a treasure trove of embarrassing anecdotes about Harris’ vice presidential tenure. For conservatives, this is a popcorn-worthy moment of Democratic infighting, though it’s a sad reflection on how quickly allies turn to adversaries.
He further hinted at efforts to support Harris, stating, “Extraordinary in trying to help her do the job of vice president.” The implication? Despite best efforts, Biden’s team allegedly found Harris lacking in some areas—a claim that, if substantiated, could dent her political future further.
Of course, Halperin himself isn’t without baggage, having been fired from NBC News in 2017 after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during his earlier years at ABC News.
The allegations, which included inappropriate physical conduct and propositions, led to widespread condemnation, though he’s since staged a comeback with a book deal and his news network. While his reporting carries weight, some might question if his past clouds the credibility of such explosive claims.
Still, Halperin’s warning of escalation rings loud, as he noted, “If Joe Biden feels threatened, if his people feel threatened by her, this is gonna escalate in a big way.”
That’s not just a prediction; it’s a glimpse into the cutthroat underbelly of party politics where loyalty is a currency easily spent. One can’t help but wonder if the progressive push for unity is just a facade when personal legacies are at stake.
For Harris, the stakes couldn’t be higher as she navigates promoting "107 Days" without poking the bear that is Biden’s camp.
If she speaks out on his reported mental decline, she risks a barrage of stories that could redefine her public image in the worst way. It’s a tightrope walk, and conservatives might smirk at the irony of a party so focused on optics now facing such an internal mess.
The broader tension here reflects a deeper fracture within the Democratic Party, where some blame Biden for leaving Harris with too little time to campaign effectively in 2024. T
hat frustration, while understandable, seems poised to boil over into a public feud if Halperin’s sources are correct. It’s a reminder that even in defeat, political egos rarely rest.