First Lady Jill Biden’s behavior towards Vice President Kamala Harris during a Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery has sparked much debate on social media. Both women were present at the ceremony on Tuesday, November 12, when President Joe Biden laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Virginia.
As Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, took their seats to the right of the First Lady, social media users noted that Harris greeted others nearby, but seemingly failed to acknowledge Jill Biden. The First Lady, adorned in dark sunglasses, maintained her gaze forward and did not seem to interact with the Vice President.
The incident was swiftly scrutinized online. A video clip was shared by conservative commentator Steve Cortes, who suggested, “It’s safe to say that Jill Biden hates Kamala Harris’ guts.” The video elicited a flurry of responses, with users arguing whether the First Lady’s behavior was deliberate.
Journalist Andy Ngo, known for his critical stance, contributed to the conversation, characterizing Jill Biden as “stone-faced” while seated next to Harris. He added, “Harris supporters are already pointing fingers at President Biden for her recent loss.”
The discourse was further fueled by Italian journalist Leonardo Panetta, who noted, “Jill Biden… did not get up to greet her and then remained seated next to the Vice President wearing sunglasses without deigning to look at her. Good climate in America.”
The significance of the event was heightened as it marked the first public appearance of President Biden and Vice President Harris following her recent election defeat to Donald Trump. Right-wing commentator Benny Arthur Johnson commented on the situation, stating, “They’re not taking the loss well.”
Despite the seeming tension, sources reported that the First Lady greeted Emhoff warmly. Yet, her lack of interaction with Harris was noticeable to many. Conservative author David Harris Jr. speculated that the perceived aloofness could suggest a deeper division within the Democratic Party following the election upset.
In the past, Jill Biden has campaigned with Harris, highlighting their shared personal losses. However, her stoic demeanor at the Arlington event was a marked departure from their previous camaraderie.
On Wednesday, Jill Biden is set to make remarks at a gala for the Philadelphia250 organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The organization is preparing for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
Despite numerous media inquiries, the White House has yet to comment on the social media speculation surrounding the incident.
