Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared side-by-side in public for the first time since the publication of Harris’ candid memoir, 107 Days, during the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Their brief interaction drew considerable attention, coming after months of tension fueled by her criticisms of Biden’s 2024 campaign decisions and internal dynamics within his administration.
Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush, died on Nov. 3 at age 84. His funeral, held at the Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 20, drew an array of current and former political leaders. The gathering created a rare moment in which figures from multiple administrations — spanning decades of U.S. political history — came together to honor Cheney’s long career in public service.
The event also served as a notable backdrop for the reunion between Biden and Harris, whose once close political partnership was significantly strained in the wake of her memoir’s release.
A Tense Reunion at a High-Profile Event
The funeral marked the first time Biden and Harris had been seen together publicly since the memoir was published on Sept. 23. In the book, Harris offers a candid account of her short 2024 presidential bid, which began after Biden withdrew from the race in July of that year. Her recollections included pointed criticism of key decisions made by Biden and his aides — including the timing of his initial reelection announcement and what she described as a lack of support from members of his team.
According to reports referenced in the original article, Biden’s aides were angered by her portrayal of internal friction, though Biden himself has not commented publicly about the memoir. The funeral, therefore, was widely viewed as a symbolic test of how the two leaders would engage publicly amid lingering tensions.
Harris was among the earliest dignitaries to arrive. She sat in the front row, where she greeted former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dan Quayle, who were seated directly behind her. Later, former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, joined the row, taking seats beside her.
When Biden and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden entered the cathedral shortly before the service began, all eyes turned to their interaction with Harris. Biden greeted several attendees, including Sen. Mitch McConnell and former Vice President Al Gore, before approaching the front row.
Harris rose to greet Biden, and the two exchanged a brief handshake. Observers described the moment as polite and reserved — cordial, but unmistakably cautious given the recent public friction. After they sat, Dr. Biden and Harris engaged in a short, friendly conversation, smiling as they talked.
For Biden, the day carried additional personal significance: it coincided with his 83rd birthday.
Harris’ Memoir and the Rift It Opened
The tension hanging over their reunion stems entirely from 107 Days, Harris’ account of the whirlwind period between Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race and the launch of her own campaign. In the memoir, Harris detailed what she saw as major shortcomings in the decision-making processes within Biden’s circle.
She criticized the decision to pursue reelection despite internal concerns about political viability, and she described efforts she believed were designed to undermine her role and limit her political autonomy. Among her most serious complaints was the assertion that Biden’s choice to run for another term was “reckless,” a word that reportedly angered multiple aides from the Biden team.
Despite the public fallout, neither Biden nor Harris has spoken directly about their relationship in the months since the book’s release. The funeral, therefore, became the first moment where the two were forced to navigate a public space together — and the restrained interaction suggested an effort to show unity in a strictly ceremonial context.
A Gathering of Former Leaders
The service for Cheney brought together a wide range of former officeholders, creating a historic tableau of American political continuity. Present were:
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Former President George W. Bush
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Former First Lady Laura Bush
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Former President Joe Biden
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Dr. Jill Biden
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris
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Former Vice President Mike Pence
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Former Vice President Al Gore
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Former Vice President Dan Quayle
All were seated in a prominent row near the front of the cathedral, illustrating the rare nature of the gathering. The funeral highlighted Cheney’s stature within the political landscape — a figure whose career spanned decades and who remained influential long after leaving office.
Notably absent were President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Reporting cited in the original material indicated that they were not invited. Trump had not commented publicly on Cheney’s death, with his press secretary stating only that he was “aware” of the news.
Honoring Cheney’s Life and Legacy
The funeral service began with a solemn procession as military pallbearers carried Cheney’s flag-draped casket into the cathedral. His wife, Lynne Cheney, followed in a wheelchair, accompanied by their daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney.
Liz Cheney’s national prominence grew after she broke with Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. She was one of ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for his actions surrounding that event. Her decision cost her politically, as she later lost her 2022 primary to a Trump-backed challenger. Cheney’s defense of her daughter in those years, as well as his criticism of Trump, became a defining aspect of his later public life.
The funeral service emphasized Cheney’s long trajectory in public service, including his tenure as Secretary of Defense, House Minority Whip, and ultimately vice president. Attendees from across the political spectrum acknowledged the significant though often polarizing legacy he left behind.
Biden’s Health and Recent Public Appearances
Biden’s attendance also comes amid ongoing attention to his health. In May, he publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. His daughter, Ashley, recently shared photos showing him ringing the bell at Penn Medicine to mark the completion of radiation treatment in late October.
Though Biden has reduced his public schedule during treatment and recovery, he has continued to make select high-profile appearances — with the Cheney funeral being one of the most notable in recent weeks.
A Moment That Signals Little — But Suggests Much
While their interaction at the funeral was brief, the meeting between Biden and Harris carried symbolic weight. It represented an unavoidable convergence of two political figures whose relationship has become visibly strained but who nevertheless share a substantial history: they ran together, governed together, and for a period, represented the central axis of the Democratic Party’s leadership.
The handshake and polite exchange did not erase months of tension. Instead, it demonstrated that, in moments of national remembrance, both remain willing to engage in the decorum expected of their former offices.
Whether their relationship will thaw further remains unclear. Biden continues to stay silent about the memoir. Harris continues to stand by her account. And the political paths of both former officials continue to evolve as they enter the next chapters of their careers.
For now, the public reunion at Cheney’s funeral stands as a moment of civility amid a complicated, and still unfolding, political story.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
