The recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter witnessed a tense interaction between President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and their respective spouses, as reported by CNN’s Jake Tapper. The greeting was not particularly warm, with little eye contact or handshakes between the two couples. Tapper acknowledged that the somber setting of a funeral must be taken into account when analyzing the body language of those in attendance.
In contrast, former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama were seen engaging in a friendly conversation at the U.S. Capitol earlier that day. As the country mourned the loss of President Carter, all living presidents were present to pay their respects.
During the funeral, Vice President Harris sat in front of Obama and Trump, causing them to momentarily pause their conversation. However, they quickly resumed their discussion, sharing laughter and camaraderie. Melania Trump and Laura Bush, former first ladies, sat on either side of them while Harris occupied her seat.
Meanwhile, the Clintons engaged in their own conversation, and former President George W. Bush seemed to be waving to others in attendance. The event brought together leaders from different political backgrounds, showcasing both the unity and occasional tension that exists among them.
Vice President Harris recently made headlines when she certified the 2024 election results, confirming not only Trump’s victory but also her own defeat in the race for the White House. Despite this setback, Harris is not planning to fade away quietly. According to CNN reporter Isaac Dovere, she has privately expressed her consideration of running for governor of California in 2026 or president in 2028. Harris is determined not to let her final act be certifying Trump’s election victory over her.
While Harris has been relatively quiet since her election loss, the Democratic Party is still grappling with the aftermath of Trump’s victory. Her supporters and advisers are divided on the best course of action for her future. On one hand, running for governor of California in 2026 seems like an appealing prospect, as it could potentially provide Harris with a clear path to victory. However, if she chooses this route, she would be unable to run for president again in 2028. The alternative is to declare her candidacy for president immediately, but some worry that she did not receive a fair opportunity during the 2024 election and may face significant competition in the Democratic primary.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Harris remains determined to stay in the political arena and make a lasting impact. Democratic strategist Theryn Bond has advised her against running for president again, but Harris has made it clear that she intends to continue fighting for her goals. Whether it’s running for governor or seeking the presidency once more, Kamala Harris is not ready to step out of the spotlight just yet.
