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Joe Biden and Kamala Harris share AWKWARD hug amid rift rumors as trolls slam 'grifters'

Supporters get behind President and vice-president after duo share a hug after Biden signs infrastructure bill, some slam CNN over report of dysfunction

On November 13, CNN reported that the nation was facing a leadership crisis, due to infighting between Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Just over 24 hours later, the duo shared a smile and hug on the law of the White House as Biden signed into law the infrastructure bill, almost as if the moment was a carefully choreographed rebuke to the CNN story.

The VP and President have both been facing back-to-back crises, amidst falling poll numbers and Democratic infighting over the President's agenda. Harris has also taken a subtle dig at Biden in the past, claiming she was "overworked", while reportedly privately slamming the responsibilities assigned to her. For his part, the President has rarely been seen with Harris over the past few months, with Harris even calling on several world leaders in his absence.

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The CNN report noted that Harris was frustrated with the way she was being sidelined and that Biden reportedly kept her in the dark over key decisions. Overall, it printed a pretty poor story of the situation at the White House, adding to the already mounting woes for the Democratic Party. The bill signing on November 14 though, appeared to be a stage to change that narrative, with both the POTUS and VP sharing a stage after some time.

Biden, Harris put up a united front

At the signing, Harris praised Biden, saying, "here is what I know to be true, Mr. President, you are equal parts believer and builder. And because you are, we are all better off. On behalf of our nation, thank you, Mr. President." Biden too referred to Harris on a couple of occasions in his speech. But it wasn't just words, the duo was also snapped sharing a warm embrace and laughing as they finally managed to get the contentious bill over the line.

As they walked across the South Lawn towards the stage, the duo also reportedly had a hand on each other's shoulders, but that camaraderie disappeared as soon as they reached. The ceremony itself wasn't without gaffes. The announcer appeared to skip Harris' name, and instead announced political activist Heather Kurtenbach as the next speaker, even as the VP stood at the stage. "In a moment," Harris quipped in response.

Even though it's likely a gaffe by the announcer, that moment represents just how bad things reportedly are in the administration. But, it was quickly forgotten by social media, who gushed over Biden and Harris' hug. 

'Such an inspiring photo'

One user responded to the photo, "For those trying to put a wedge between POTUS & VP, give up. Ain't happening. Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect." Another slammed CNN, "@CNN does this look like a disfunctional relationship to you?? Shame on you." Another said, "such an inspiring photo. this is how i feel about our great leadership, @POTUS and @VP. I am thrilled this legislation and the BBB will finally become a reality."

However, plenty of others called out the moment for appearing fake. One person tweeted, "This is soooooo plastic", while another commented, "What an act." One user noted, "They are soooo loving as a couple...grifters have to stay united in their grift until the end - right @KamalaHarris and @JoeBiden?"

Whether or not you believe the hug was genuine is a matter of perspective, but the timing, less than a day after the CNN expose is certainly questionable. But for now, at least, it looks like Biden is standing by his VP, which could be crucial with the 2022 mid-terms close at hand.