Aide says he ‘absolutely loves’ working for Kamala Harris amid staff exodus

A staffer has vouched for US Vice President Kamala Harris‘s leadership style that some former aides have blamed for a recent staff exodus. David Gins said on Sunday that he “absolutely” loved his job as the deputy director of operations for Harris. “Just thought some of you should know,” he tweeted on Sunday with a photo of himself at his desk. The tweet comes as several of the vice president’s staffers are set to leave their roles in a development that The Washington Post says has “reignited questions about why Harris churns through top-level Democratic staff.”

Joe Biden brings back tradition, celebrates artists at Kennedy Center Honors

Symone Sanders, Harris’s chief spokesperson and senior adviser, told the Post that she is not leaving because she was unhappy in her role.

“I’m getting married next year. I would like to plan my wedding. You know, I have earned a break. So me deciding that I’m leaving has absolutely nothing to do with my unhappiness,” she said. “I feel honored every single day to work for the vice president who gave me an opportunity to be her spokesperson at the highest levels.”

Biden colonoscopy: Harris first female US Vice President to get presidential powers

But Gil Duran, a former Harris aide who quit after a five-month stint in 2013, said Harris was the “common denominator” behind the recent departures. Another former staffer, who wished to remain anonymous, described the vice president as a “bully” and said staff constantly endure “soul-destroying criticism.”

In recent days, several Harris staffers have rushed to the vice president’s defense.

“I am truly blessed to work with such a kind, thoughtful, and devoted group of people! Thank you to everyone who made yesterday super special including our amazing @VP,” Juan Ortego tweeted in response to another staffer’s tweet that showed Harris celebrating his birthday.

Last week, White House press secretary Jen Psaki also downplayed the departures from Harris’ office.

“In my experience, and if you look at past precedent, it’s natural for staffers who have thrown their heart and soul into a job to be ready to move on to a new challenge after a few years,” Psaki said at a press briefing on Thursday.