The midterm elections are still months away, but the recriminations have already started. Democratic lawmakers, operatives, and even President Joe Biden are getting quoted in the media expressing frustration with the White House. In addition, there are rumors chief of staff Ron Klain could be on his way out before November.

When it comes to the palace intrigue, the veracity of specific reports is less important than the White House starting to become a leaky vessel. As Biden’s job approval ratings began their initial descent last summer, the West Wing remained relatively quiet and stable, with the significant exception of Vice President Kamala Harris’s office.