White House plans staff moves as aides switch to Harris campaign
Two White House staffers are expected to depart the Biden administration soon to join Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, as the operation expands in the final 80-day sprint to election day, according to two administration officials and one campaign official familiar with the moves who were granted anonymity to discuss internal decisions.
WASHINGTON — Two White House staffers are expected to depart the Biden administration soon to join Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, as the operation expands in the final 80-day sprint to Election Day, according to two administration officials and one campaign official familiar with the moves who were granted anonymity to discuss internal decisions.
With the departures, the White House is promoting deputy communications director Herbie Ziskend to an elevated role to help handle messaging around President Joe Biden’s legacy, as he nears his final months in office, one of the officials said. Ziskend will now hold the principal title in that role and will become a deputy assistant to the president as well.
White House principal deputy communications director Kristen Orthman will be leaving her post to join the Harris campaign in a planning role that will coordinate across several departments, these people said.
Former White House aide Kate Berner will continue to serve as a communications advisor to the Harris campaign and will now also serve as a senior advisor to Gov. Tim Walz’s team.
Vice President Kamala Harris is welcomed by running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at a campaign rally in Eau Claire, Wis., on Aug. 7.Kerem Yücel / AP fileIan Sams, the White House counsel spokesman for oversight, will move to the campaign as a senior spokesperson. His departure was first reported by The Washington Post.
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