A Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery sparked a flurry of social media conjecture centered around First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The function, which took place on Tuesday, November 12, was highlighted by President Joe Biden laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Virginia.
As Vice President Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, took their seats to the right of the First Lady, social media observers noted a seeming lack of interaction between Harris and Jill Biden. The Vice President was seen greeting other attendees, but seemingly bypassed the First Lady. At the same time, Jill Biden, donned in dark sunglasses, appeared to not engage with Harris and maintained a forward gaze.
A host of online commentators quickly dissected the incident. Conservative commentator Steve Cortes posted a clip of the moment, stating, “It’s safe to say that Jill Biden hates Kamala Harris’ guts.” The footage sparked a multitude of responses, with users deliberating on whether the First Lady’s conduct was deliberate.
Journalist Andy Ngo, known for his critical stance, also offered his viewpoint, describing Jill Biden as “stone-faced” while seated next to Harris. He stated, “Harris supporters are already pointing fingers at President Biden for her recent loss.”
Adding to the controversy, Italian reporter Leonardo Panetta commented on the incident, stating, “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 event held significance as it represented the first public appearance of President Biden and Vice President Harris following Harris’ defeat in the recent election to Donald Trump. The occurrence ignited a torrent of social media reactions, including a comment from conservative commentator Benny Arthur Johnson, who observed, “They’re not taking the loss well.”
Despite the perceived coolness towards Harris, sources reported that the First Lady greeted Emhoff warmly. However, her apparent lack of engagement with Harris did not go unnoticed. Conservative writer David Harris Jr. proposed that the perceived aloofness might signify a wider divide within the Democratic Party following the electoral upset.
In previous campaigns, Jill Biden has stood side by side with Harris, underscoring their mutual experiences of personal loss. However, at the Arlington event, her restrained demeanor contrasted noticeably with earlier exhibitions of unity.
On Wednesday, the First Lady is set to speak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at a gala for the Philadelphia250 organization, which is orchestrating celebrations for America’s impending 250th anniversary.
No statements have been released by the White House addressing the social media reactions, despite several media outlets seeking comments.