Former Vice President and presidential Democratic nominee Kamala Harris faced criticism on social media following a Fourth of July message that struck a grim tone and featured a photo that cropped out President Joe Biden.
The image attached to the post showed Harris with her husband Doug Emhoff watching fireworks, apparently from a White House balcony during the July 4, 2024, celebration. (RELATED: Trump Caps July 4 With ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Signing)
“This Fourth of July, I am taking a moment to reflect. Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better,” Harris posted Friday on X. “But I love our country — and when you love something, you fight for it. Together, we will continue to fight for the ideals of our nation.”
Social media users noted that Biden and first lady Jill Biden — who were present at the event — were not visible in the frame.
“Kamala cropping Joe out is very symbolic,” wrote Link Lauren, a former adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who shared a wider shot showing the Bidens standing just feet away.
“Feeling grateful we didn’t end up with a President who posts ‘things are gonna get worse’ on the 4th of July,” said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kiersten Pels.
“Kamala sets a new record for the worst 4th of July message ever,” said radio host Mark Simone.
Recent polling has shown her support slipping among Democrats ahead of the 2028 primary season. An Emerson College poll in June found just 13% of Democrats would support Harris in the primary compared to the 37% who still stood by her in November.
