| | | | |  | | By Eli Stokols, Lauren Egan and Ben Johansen | Welcome to POLITICO’s West Wing Playbook, your guide to the people and power centers in the Biden administration. Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Eli | Email Lauren On a campaign with 1,200 staffers, fewer than a half dozen got any kind of heads up. Almost all of them found out that their candidate, President JOE BIDEN, had decided to step aside just like the rest of the world: Most of them read his post on X on their phones. Some were already in the Wilmington headquarters. Some were scattered up and down the Acela corridor, in New York City or Washington. Some were sitting silently in their cars, unsure where they were headed. Some wept. And then, almost as soon as Biden posted that he was endorsing Vice President KAMALA HARRIS to take his place, they went to work. “It was clear the moment the president put out the second tweet, there was work to do, and our campaign needed to be her campaign,” said one campaign official, who was granted anonymity to describe internal processes. Harris herself traveled to Wilmington Monday afternoon to speak with and thank campaign employees. She announced the trip in a post on X where she wrote that she planned “to say ‘hello’ to our staff,” claiming those who’ve been working for Biden, some of whom have been nervous about what changes may be in store, as her own. But in those first few frenetic and emotional moments after the president’s post on Sunday afternoon, no one on the campaign was answering their phones or responding to the dozens of texts. Campaign communications director MICHAEL TYLER had quickly called senior members of the communications team to confirm that the news was real and to urge staffers not to engage with the press until more of the dust had settled and they knew what they were going to say. Staffers — many of whom worked remotely on weekends — streamed back into the Wilmington campaign headquarters. As endorsements began popping up via email and on X, they started a Google spreadsheet to track them. Meanwhile, the team that manages top surrogates started booking them on television as networks launched into special coverage. At 3 p.m., Sen. CHRIS COONS (D-Del.) was the first to hit the air, speaking to CBS News’ NORAH O’DONNELL about Biden’s “incredible legacy of service to our nation” and praising Harris as the person who’s “best able to carry [the president’s legacy] forward.” After more than three weeks of long days and rough vibes, aides took on a number of tasks with newfound urgency: writing new Harris-focused talking points, leaning into the notion of a former prosecutor running against a convicted felon; working on a “pathway to victory” memo and collecting evidence of the DONALD TRUMP campaign’s less-than-thrilled response that would go into a Monday morning email blast; building out travel plans; monitoring news coverage; speaking to reporters and answering questions about refiling FEC paperwork and party nomination processes. The online fundraising team mobilized quickly, too, drafting donation requests in Biden’s voice and then in Harris’, checking with lawyers to ensure that the contributions that came back would go to Harris’ operation and then blasting both out one after the other via both email and text message. Around 5 p.m., campaign chair JEN O’MALLEY DILLON addressed the entire campaign staff on a call, acknowledging the emotions and uncertainty many of them were feeling. “While today is a big day of transition, nothing changes with why you got here and what we’re all here to do,” Dillon said according to a transcript provided by a person on the call. “But the path forward is a path that is for all of us to do this together. So let me tell you what I know to be certain, which is that every single person here, whatever your job, whatever you're doing, you have a job, you have a home, you are us. We are a team. We are in this together.” Several staffers who spoke to West Wing Playbook praised her for striking the “perfect” tone, acknowledging the emotions many of them were feeling and reminding them that their mission is unchanged: protecting the Biden-Harris record and denying Trump another four years in the White House. Deputy campaign manager ROB FLAHERTY had tasked the campaign’s creative team with making a new campaign logo and a new avatar for the soon-to-be-Harris-focused social media accounts. The rebranded @KamalaHQ accounts went live around 7 p.m. with a background image that copied the look of British pop singer CHARLI XCX’s “brat” album after the singer posted on Sunday that “Kamala is brat” (for the uninitiated, that’s an endorsement…see more, below). Once the new art was approved, all of the campaign’s state-specific social media accounts — for example, the “Pennsylvania for Biden” handle — were switched over at the same time. And just over 24 hours after Biden endorsed Harris, the campaign’s website had been redesigned for her, including a revamped online store selling a “Madam President” baseball hat and other Harris merch. “The fact that they were able to flip all their channels and file everything so seamlessly yesterday was incredibly impressive,” said CAITLIN LEGACKI, a veteran of several Democratic campaigns and former Biden administration communications aide. “Kamala walking into a turnkey operation is going to make this all possible.” Most aides finally left the office around 9:30 or 10 p.m. Only after things started to slow down were they able to take a minute to share some personal moments and feelings about what had just occurred. After more than three weeks that have been the toughest stretch for staffers since the campaign launched last year, after three weeks of painful party in-fighting, the campaign — and seemingly the entire Democratic coalition — had come together. “Some aides have been with him for so long, so of course it’s a tough and an emotional time,” one campaign aide said. “But everyone knew we had a responsibility to put our emotions aside and focus on the work. And people feel really proud. We’ve all been through a very challenging period but it's solidified the team. Sometimes, hard moments can break teams apart. The opposite has happened here.” MESSAGE US — Are you CHARLI XCX? We want to hear from you. And we’ll keep you anonymous! Email us at westwingtips@politico.com. Did someone forward this email to you? Subscribe here!
| | | | Breaking News Briefing: How Kamala Harris’ Policies Could Differ from Joe Biden’s — Where does Vice President Kamala Harris stand on key policy issues? Where does she differ from President Biden? Join POLITICO Pro’s specialist reporters for a detailed discussion of what her track record as vice president, U.S. senator and attorney general of California tells us about her policy instincts and allies. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | | | When was the last time a president decided not to run for a second term? (Answer at bottom.)
| | ZIENTS’ ALL STAFF CALL: Chief of staff JEFF ZIENTS held a call with all White House staff on Monday morning, thanking everyone for their efforts to ensure that Biden is remembered as one of “the most effective and consequential” presidents, according to a person familiar with the call. And he emphasized the importance of the presidency’s final six months, sharing with aides that Biden has told him over the last 24 hours that there is “more work to do” and urging them to “run through the tape.” SEEMS LIKE AN OPENING FOR MARIANNE: A steady trickle of Democrats believed to have presidential ambitions coalesced around Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee on Monday. Three governors — GRETCHEN WHITMER, WES MOORE and JB PRITZKER — all offered their endorsements earlier today. On Sunday, GAVIN NEWSOM, PETE BUTTIGIEG and JOSH SHAPIRO also backed Harris, all but fending off any serious challenge to her ascension as Donald Trump’s rival this November. Former House Speaker NANCY PELOSI (who, for what it’s worth, does not want to be president) also threw her weight behind Harris on Monday afternoon. Pelosi played a large role in pushing Biden out and is now putting her full force behind the vice president. “Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute,” Pelosi said in a statement. “I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.” THE VEEPSTAKES: Kentucky Gov. ANDY BESHEAR and North Carolina Gov. ROY COOPER — two men on the short list of vice presidential options — were on “Morning Joe” earlier Monday, where they pledged their support for Harris. Beshear, when questioned by WILLIE GEIST on whether he would take the number two job, hinted at his openness … before name dropping Trump running mate JD VANCE. “I want the American people to know what Kentucky is and what they look like,” he said. “Because let me just tell you that JD Vance ain't from here.” Cooper kept his hand closer to his chest when pressed by MIKA BRZEZINSKI, saying this week should be about rallying around Harris. “I appreciate people talking about me,” he said, “but I think the focus right now needs to be on her this week.” GIVING FLOWERS: In her first public remarks since Biden announced he would not seek the Democratic nomination, Vice President Harris praised his “unmatched” legacy, our MYAH WARD reports. “In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office,” Harris said at an event celebrating NCAA athletes. She went on to applaud his “honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his big heart and his deep love of the country.” OH, YEAH — THE COVID: Biden’s Covid symptoms have “almost resolved completely,” Dr. KEVIN O’CONNOR wrote in a letter on Monday afternoon. He has been at his home in Rehoboth Beach since last Wednesday evening. WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE WANTS YOU TO READ: This NYT op-ed from presidential historian (and informal Biden adviser) JON MEACHAM, titled: “Joe Biden, My Friend and an American Hero.” Meacham, who wrote Biden’s acceptance speech in 2020, said that the president’s decision to step aside “is one of the most remarkable acts of leadership in our history, an act of self-sacrifice that places him in the company of George Washington, who also stepped away from the presidency.” Meacham argues that history will tell a story of Biden fending off Donald Trump, rallying nations abroad against threats like Russia and China, defeating a once-in-a-century pandemic and legislating successfully on vital issues of climate and infrastructure. “By surrendering the possibility of enduring in the seat of ultimate power, Mr. Biden has taught us a landmark lesson in patriotism, humility and wisdom,” he concludes. Communications director BEN LABOLT shared the piece on X. WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE DOESN’T WANT YOU TO READ: Honestly, it’s been pretty good vibes all around among Democrats (besides, CHRIS D. JACKSON.) But this essay by The Atlantic’s GRAEME WOOD pours some cold water on the party's reaction to Biden’s announcement. Wood argues that Democrats’ decision to immediately coalesce around Harris rather than push for an open convention will come back to bite them. He writes that the nominee should be Harris, but she needs to build a tougher skin during the primary process to face off against Trump. “If a campaign launch is a candidate’s chance to show off his pearly smile, the primary is the candidate’s chance to show off that smile after he’s been slugged in the face a few times,” he writes. “And as in boxing, it’s better to take one’s practice hits from a sparring partner rather than from the defending champ who awaits you on fight night.”
| | | BUT WOULD HE REALLY GIVE UP THAT KELLYANNE POD? If Biden’s closest aides are mad at President BARACK OBAMA and his team for their quiet role in stoking the Democratic resistance to his reelection bid, Harris apparently is not. In fact, her allies have already reached out to DAVID PLOUFFE, Obama’s 2008 campaign manager, about taking on a senior role atop her campaign. Our CHRIS CADELAGO, who broke the news, writes: “The addition of Plouffe to Harris’ team would immediately inject A-list talent in the most senior ranks of the operation as they work to reintroduce Harris and ensure she’s on solid footing ahead of her biggest first decision: whom to select as her vice presidential nominee.” And Reuters' JEFF MASON scooped that Obama's attorney general, ERIC HOLDER, has been asked to oversee Harris' accelerated vice presidential selection process. BRAT SUMMER BLOWOUT: Vice President Harris received, arguably, the most important endorsement Monday. “kamala IS brat,” Charli XCX wrote on X. In the same vein, the formerly known “Biden-Harris HQ” campaign account was rebranded following Biden’s decision — with the new “kamala hq” banner in the brat-lime green mold. Important questions remain. Will Charli perform at next month’s Democratic National Convention? How long will it take for the Kamala HQ TikTok to post a Kamala “365” video? (Spoiler: They already have.) FIRST IN WEST WING PLAYBOOK: The Democratic Majority for Israel PAC endorsed Harris for president on Monday, with its president MARK MELLMAN saying in an statement shared first with our DANIEL LIPPMAN that Harris has “helped lead the most pro-Israel administration in American history, standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel as its faced unprecedented attacks on its homeland and people.” Its statement also noted that when Harris ran for president the first time in 2020, she said that “support for Israel is central" to who she is. As our ERIC BAZAIL-EIMIL, JOE GOULD, MILES J. HERSZENHORN and PHELIM KINE reported last night, a Harris presidency would likely still send robust U.S. support to Israel. But she has also rebuked its handling of the war in Gaza, sounded more sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians and previously backed a two-state solution. MONEY’S POURING IN: Team Harris raked in $81 million in its first 24 hours, the most any presidential campaign has ever collected in a single day. Over 888,000 grassroots donors made donations in the past day, 60 percent of whom made their first donation in the 2024 cycle, according to the campaign. In that same timeframe, our ELENA SCHNEIDER scoops that Future Forward — the top super PAC that has supported President Biden’s campaign — received $150 million in new commitments from major Democratic donors in the 24 hours since the president announced he would step aside. In that same timeframe, Democratic online fundraising platform ActBlue processed a whopping $93 million in donations. The fundraising boon gives Kamala Harris — and some down-ballot Democrats — a much needed cash arsenal as the party reorients to the likely new nominee. THA GOD WEIGHS IN: On Monday, when asked by CNN’s JAKE TAPPER whether he would endorse Vice President Harris, CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD said he “absolutely” would. (Notably, the host of the popular hip hop show “The Breakfast Club,” which has a largely Black audience, had been openly critical of Biden’s candidacy this cycle.) “We have our disagreements on air and off air, but I think she is the perfect person to fight in these unprecedented times right now,” he said of Harris.
| | | | PERSONNEL MOVES: Vice President Harris is now the Democratic Party’s likely presidential nominee, our Daniel Lippman confirms. She will replace President Biden atop the ticket. Harris did not announce who will fill the number two slot, but she is likely looking for a white guy from a swing state candidate who believes, above all, that you exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.
| | | | OVERSHADOWED BY SOME OTHER NEWS: Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU’s visit to Washington this week has, for now, fallen under the radar. Still, before the Israeli leader left for D.C. on Monday, he told reporters that he would emphasize the theme of Israel’s bipartisanship in his speech and said the country would remain America’s key ally in the Middle East “regardless who the American people choose as their next president,” AP’s AAMER MADHANI and TIA GOLDENBERG report. NOT A GREAT LOOK: U.S. Secret Service director KIMBERLY CHEATLE was grilled Monday by lawmakers for her agency’s failure to prevent the shooting of Donald Trump, our JORDAIN CARNEY reports. Appearing in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Cheatle said that the attack on Trump was the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades. Her remarks did not quash calls for her resignation among members of both parties, including the committee’s top Democrat, Rep. JAMIE RASKIN (D-Md.).
| | Inside the Democratic Reboot: Joy, Hope and Fear (POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin) This Is Exactly What the Trump Team Feared (The Atlantic’s Tim Alberta) Why Biden finally quit (POLITICO's Eli Stokols, Jonathan Lemire, Elena Schneider and Sarah Ferris) Could a Kamala Harris Presidency Be a Boon for DC’s Food Scene? (Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman)
| | In March 1968, LYNDON B. JOHNSON gave a televised address, where he delivered a stunning kicker. “I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president,” Johnson said. And now, 56 years later, there are many parallels to make. The Democratic party elevated HUBERT HUMPHREY, Johnson’s vice president, to the top of the ticket. And like this year, the convention took place in Chicago. Humphrey would end up losing to Republican challenger RICHARD NIXON that fall. (OK, we know this is a softball. But it’s just too on point not to feature.) A CALL OUT! Do you think you have a harder trivia question? Send us your best one about the presidents, with a citation or sourcing, and we may feature it! Edited by Steve Shepard and Rishika Dugyala.
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