Doocy Suggests Biden-Harris Meeting Could Be ‘Awkward,’ Press Secretary Pushes Back

In a lively exchange during a White House briefing, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy questioned White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on whether the recent meeting between President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris could be considered “awkward” following the recent election. The conversation captured attention due to Doocy’s direct questions and Jean-Pierre’s steadfast responses, highlighting their contrasting perspectives on the relationship between the President and Vice President.

Doocy opened the line of questioning by pointing out that Biden and Harris had recently held a private lunch together, stating, “We know that today, a week after the election, President Biden and Vice President Harris had a private lunch. How awkward was that?” The question seemed to catch Jean-Pierre off guard.

Expressing surprise, Jean-Pierre responded, “I don’t even understand. Why would it be awkward?” She appeared genuinely taken aback by Doocy’s framing of the meeting as uncomfortable, given the long-standing working relationship between the President and Vice President.

Doocy elaborated, suggesting that recent political dynamics might have introduced tension between Biden and Harris. “Because the President got squeezed out for her, and then she kept him at arm’s length, and then she lost, and now she’s back,” he explained, implying that there could be unresolved issues due to the shifting political landscape and Harris’s fluctuating influence in Biden’s administration.

Unfazed by Doocy’s line of reasoning, Jean-Pierre questioned the premise of his suggestion, stating, “Why would you characterize it as awkward? They have regular lunches. They meet and talk regularly. Why would you call it awkward?” The press secretary appeared to view the meeting as routine rather than unusual, emphasizing that the two leaders consistently engage in dialogue to address national priorities.

Doocy then pivoted slightly, remarking that there might be “weirdness about the way that things have unfolded since” the election, referencing possible shifts in their political rapport since the recent election outcomes. Jean-Pierre, however, quickly pointed out recent instances of their collaboration, particularly during a Veterans Day event, to illustrate the strength of their working relationship.

“Did you see them together yesterday, as well, when they honored our veterans and were together during the day, making sure that we didn’t forget the brave men and women who fought for this country?” she asked, underscoring that their shared appearances symbolized a united front rather than any tension.

Continuing her defense of their partnership, Jean-Pierre added, “They had an opportunity to discuss the last 70 days or so of this administration, how important it is to get things done for the American people. And that’s their focus. That is genuinely their focus.” She reinforced the idea that both Biden and Harris remain concentrated on the administration’s objectives rather than any perceived personal friction.

The exchange highlighted a distinct difference in how each side views the relationship between Biden and Harris. While Doocy’s questions suggested potential underlying tensions, Jean-Pierre consistently pushed back, framing their collaboration as both professional and productive. This moment underscored not only the contrasting perceptions surrounding the dynamics within the administration but also the White House’s commitment to showcasing unity between Biden and Harris in the face of external speculation.