A new report alleges that staff members within Vice President Kamala Harris’s team quietly developed a shortlist of potential federal judicial nominees in preparation for the possibility that Harris would need to assume the presidency if President Joe Biden died in office.
The claims, outlined in a forthcoming political book, suggest that the list—described by insiders as a “contingency roster”—included potential appointees for federal court vacancies that could have arisen during a Harris presidency. The effort reportedly began early in the administration and was kept confidential among a close circle of Harris aides.
The report states that the team’s internal planning escalated amid public speculation about Biden’s age and health, though no official concerns had been publicly acknowledged by the administration at the time. Sources cited in the book say the planning was framed as a proactive measure to ensure continuity in the event of an emergency, not as a sign of any immediate transition.
White House officials have not confirmed the existence of the roster, and no public comment has been issued by Harris or her office. However, political observers note that internal succession planning is not unusual in high-level administrations, particularly when leadership transitions could impact judicial appointments and broader policy agendas.
The alleged existence of a so-called “death pool” list has sparked debate among critics and supporters alike. Some argue it reflects pragmatic foresight in a historically sensitive political climate, while others claim it exposes internal doubts about Biden’s longevity in office.
The controversy arrives amid renewed attention on the vice presidency’s role in long-term strategic planning, especially in administrations with aging presidents. The revelations are expected to be further detailed in the upcoming publication, which examines behind-the-scenes dynamics within the Biden-Harris White House.