Former President Barack Obama is reportedly heavily involved in steering Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, according to former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

McCarthy alleged that several of Obama's former advisers are playing significant roles in Harris' campaign strategy, giving orders, and calling the shots, though a former Obama adviser denied these claims, as the New York Post reports.

Among the Obama-linked individuals said to be playing a major role is David Plouffe, who managed Obama's 2008 campaign and served as a top White House adviser. Plouffe is now a senior campaign aide for Harris, working on refining her campaign strategy and execution.

Another notable figure is Eric Holder, Obama's former attorney general. Holder has been instrumental in assisting with the vetting process for Harris' choice of a vice-presidential running mate.

Key Figures from Obama's Era Join Harris' Team

Stephanie Cutter, who was the deputy campaign manager for Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, is now working as Harris' senior adviser for strategy messaging. Cutter is playing a crucial role in shaping the communication strategy for Harris' campaign.

Jim Margolis' firm is also expected to join Harris' 2024 campaign. Margolis had previously worked as an ad-maker for Obama and was involved in Harris' ill-fated 2020 campaign. His expertise is anticipated to contribute significantly to Harris' advertising efforts.

Jennifer Palmieri, who served as director of communications under Obama and for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, has been hired as a senior adviser to Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff. Palmieri’s role is expected to leverage her vast experience in managing campaign communications.

Assertions and Denials from Both Sides

Additionally, Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, serving as Harris' campaign chairwoman, brings her experience from working on Obama and Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. Her involvement further amplifies McCarthy's claims of Obama's significant influence on Harris' campaign.

However, a former top adviser to Obama strongly dismissed McCarthy's assertions. The adviser emphasized that it is not unusual for veteran Democratic strategists to work with successive candidates, downplaying the notion of Obama directing Harris' campaign.

During an interview on the radio show The Cats Roundtable, McCarthy shared his views about Obama’s involvement. “If you’re watching the campaign now, some of Obama’s key people such as David Plouffe and others are now working on the campaign,” McCarthy claimed.

McCarthy’s Criticism of Harris' Campaign

McCarthy also expressed his disapproval of Harris’ selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. He labeled it as the most liberal ticket in American history, suggesting it does not resonate with many Americans.

The former House speaker raised concerns over the decision to pass over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish. He argued that it might be a political mistake, especially considering the strategic importance of Pennsylvania in national elections.

McCarthy linked Harris’ decision to avoid standing up to her party on issues related to Israel. “Why would [Harris] skip Shapiro in picking a VP? Is she not going to stand up to her own party when they want to attack Israel?” he queried, suggesting this might affect her support base.

McCarthy did not hold back in his criticism of Harris’ role in passing President Biden’s pandemic-related stimulus bills. “She gave the deciding vote that brought us inflation,” McCarthy stated, blaming Harris for the economic struggles faced by many American families.

“We’ve watched these families struggle at the grocery store, at the gas station. There’s nothing left for them. They are working so hard just to try to make ends meet,” he said, emphasizing the financial challenges.

Reactions to the Accusations

Despite McCarthy’s aggressive criticism, the campaign continues without official acknowledgment from either Obama or the Obama Foundation. Harris has not directly addressed these allegations.

Analysts believe that the involvement of experienced strategists from Obama’s era is a natural progression within political circles. Some pundits see the continuity of campaign personnel as a common practice rather than a covert operation.

McCarthy’s statements have sparked conversations in political circles, particularly regarding the influence of former presidents on current political campaigns. The debate reflects the dynamic and often contentious nature of presidential campaigns in the United States.

In conclusion, McCarthy’s claims about Obama secretly running Harris' campaign have raised eyebrows but have been met with strong denials from those close to Obama. The involvement of seasoned Democratic strategists suggests experience rather than conspiracy, yet the political narrative continues to evolve as the campaign progresses.