They say that money talks, but it didn’t do any favors for Susan Rice.
In a stunning reversal, the former Obama aide was snubbed on Tuesday after Joe Biden chose Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) to be his running mate.
Rice snubbed, despite donations
“I have the great honor to announce that I’ve picked @KamalaHarris — a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants — as my running mate,” Biden tweeted Tuesday.
Biden’s decision came as somewhat of a surprise, after last-minute speculation and betting odds seemed to move in Rice’s favor.
It also comes with a sting. Rice and her husband dramatically increased their contributions to Biden’s campaign as rumors of her vice-presidential candidacy gained steam in the summer.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, campaign finance records show that Rice and her husband, millionaire ABC producer Ian Cameron, gave a total of $24,000 to the Biden campaign in the month of June, a significant increase compared to the $5,800 they had given to the Biden campaign previously.
The boost came as Rice was being talked up in the media: two days before CNN published an article listing her as a candidate, Cameron sent $5,600 to the Biden Victory Fund. He gave another $5,600 on June 26, and Rice donated $12,800.
It’s Kamala!
Until the end, concerns had lingered among some Biden allies about Harris’ loyalty to the former vice president.
At least for a moment, Rice was seen by some as an experienced diplomat who Biden could trust, having worked with her in the Obama administration. By contrast, Harris is a more cynical figure who notably accused Biden of being a racist on national television.
But Biden’s past relationship with the senator seems to be history.
“Back when Kamala was Attorney General, she worked closely with Beau,” Biden tweeted. “I watched as they took on the big banks, lifted up working people, and protected women and kids from abuse. I was proud then, and I’m proud now to have her as my partner in this campaign.”
Indeed, neither loyalty nor checks in the mail seem to have had any effect here. No, sir. This campaign is all about power, and getting it by any means necessary. In that respect, Harris is right where she belongs.
No comments: