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Amidst Biden's vacation and Harris's political campaign, questioning who is currently leading the United States

Commences the intense election period for Kamala Harris, while U.S. President Joe Biden embarks on a vacation. In the meantime, who oversees the government's operations?

Presently, the focus of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, America's leading figures, seems to be...
Presently, the focus of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, America's leading figures, seems to be elsewhere.

- Amidst Biden's vacation and Harris's political campaign, questioning who is currently leading the United States

Following a few days at a political rally similar to Rock am Ring or Wacken, one might feel drained but content, with a constant ringing in the ears but satisfaction in the stomach. That's likely how Kamala Harris is feeling now - post the exhilarating non-stop celebration in Chicago. Where the Democratic Party praised itself, the new presidential candidate, and the vice, nicknamed "Coach", and all the former presidents, and essentially the revival from the valley of tears.

Kamala Harris: Full Throttle into the Campaign

"Yes, she Kam" is now the rallying cry of the Democrats' supporters - a symphony of Barack Obama's "Yes, we can" and the vice president's first name. Even Joe Biden, still technically the president and the original candidate, managed to collect his applause at the convention, before then jetting off to California for some R&R. In essence: The president is relaxing, the vice president is campaigning - and who is currently steering the ship of state?

"Joe Biden is not a lame duck. He's not even a duck. He's the legitimate president, but certainly not de facto the president," writes the right-wing US blogger Jordan Schachtel with apprehension and bitterness, referring to the 81-year-old's seemingly empty calendar. In fact, Schachtel asserts, Biden has all but vanished after withdrawing from the presidential race: "You hardly see or hear from him these days."

Some Believe in the Deep State

Although the question of who is in control of the country is legitimate, it carries a conspiratorial undertone in some circles. Many US conservatives are convinced that it's not the elected officials who dictate the nation's fate, but shadowy forces working behind the scenes: enigmatic government institutions, billionaire benefactors, foreign powers - the infamous "Deep State". Despite the lack of any concrete evidence or proof of a state within a state, many Americans still believe in its existence.

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The tough team on the ground keeps you up-to-date every Saturday in the free newsletter "Inside America" about the most significant developments and provides insider insights into how Americans truly view their country. After confirming your email, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription. Rest assured, your data will always be treated with utmost confidentiality. The question remains: Who is in charge of the USA when the two heads of state are on vacation and/or campaigning? The answer to this is rather prosaic: Both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are briefed daily and maintain constant contact with their team at the White House. At this political level, vacation means: only three or four hours of work instead of 13 or 14. Moreover, all relevant staff are occupied back in distant Washington, D.C., with one exception: legislation is sacrificed during vacation time.

No Government Shutdown this Election Due to Campaigning

Biden has promised to return to the fight after the summer break. "I will finish the job," he said firmly after stepping down from the presidential race. A government shutdown due to campaigning is unlikely, especially not this election. Because unlike US presidents who have both campaigned and served (i.e., all of Biden's predecessors with a second term), the 81-year-old is spared the double burden of presidency and campaigning. For most Americans, that's great news.

Sources: DPA, Reuters, RollCall.com, Jordan Schachtel, NY1.com

Kamala Harris's victory in the US election is a subject of excitement among Democrats, with "Yes, she Kam" becoming a popular rallying cry. Despite taking a break, Joe Biden still has a role to play, providing support to his vice president and maintaining contact with the White House team.

Some conservative Americans believe in the existence of a Deep State, a shadowy group allegedly controlling the country's affairs, despite lacking concrete evidence to support this claim.

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