Jeff Zients on Conversations with Harris, Obama, and Biden's Age

Conversations with Vice President Harris

• 💡 Jeff Zients had regular meetings with Vice President Harris, discussing various issues.
• 📌 While age was a significant challenge, Zients does not recall Harris directly asking if President Biden was "okay."
• 💬 Harris focused on ensuring Biden was presented at his strongest in public appearances.

Discussions with Former President Obama

• 🎯 Zients recalls conversations with former President Obama around the turn of 2019-2020.
• ⚠️ Obama expressed concern about Biden's re-election prospects, not his ability to do the job.
• 🚀 Obama felt the campaign needed more emphasis and resources, pushing for more leadership focus on campaigning.
• 🗣️ Post-debate, Obama reportedly suggested Biden consider exiting the race, though Zients clarifies this was about winning, not ability.

AI Policy Discussions with Obama

• 🧠 Zients also had periodic meetings with President Obama on AI and AI policy during the last 18 months of the administration.
• 📈 Obama took a strong interest in AI and technology, providing valuable perspectives from his ties to the tech community.
• 💬 These discussions on AI policy occurred separately from concerns about Biden's age or electability.

Clarifications on Timing

• 🗓️ Zients clarified that discussions about the election and re-election prospects were in the context of the 2024 election cycle.
• 🤝 He recalled a meeting where Obama spent time with Biden, leaving with a positive feeling about the campaign's focus and winnability.