Former Vice President Kamala Harris has recently voiced strong criticism of President Joe Biden in excerpts from her upcoming memoir. In her book, “107 Days,” she questions Biden’s decision to run for a second term, describing it as “recklessness.” She reflects on the pressure everyone felt to support his choice, saying, “It’s Joe and Jill’s decision,” almost as if it were an unspoken rule. Now, looking back, she believes it was indeed a reckless move.
Harris shares that being vice president put her in a tough spot. She felt it would come off as disloyal if she suggested Biden not run again, fearing he’d think it was just about her ambition. Instead, her message was meant to be, “Don’t let the other guy win.”
In her memoir, Harris tackles her feelings of being overshadowed. She highlights moments where she felt she wasn’t getting the recognition she deserved for her work. In fact, she recalls securing billions in investments to address migration issues in Latin America, but faced criticism for being labeled the “border czar,” which hampered her efforts during her presidential campaign. Harris stated that the White House did not support her in countering misinformation regarding her role.
Biden’s age has been a central concern in his re-election bid; he is currently 81. Harris noted that Biden occasionally struggled physically and verbally, particularly during challenging public appearances, such as debate performances against Donald Trump. Critics have questioned his mental fitness, but Harris defended him, stating he is a smart leader with deep convictions.
Interestingly, a recent survey showed that a significant portion of Americans believe age plays an important role in a leader’s effectiveness. According to a 2022 Pew Research report, nearly 60% of voters aged 50 and older expressed concern about a candidate’s age.
Harris also recalls a poignant moment during a trip to Texas following a devastating hurricane. While watching Biden’s speech, she noted he mentioned her nearly nine minutes into it. This instance exemplifies her feelings of being sidelined, even after contributing significantly to key initiatives.
As Harris prepares for her book tour across 15 cities, including international stops in Canada and the UK, her reflections spark an important conversation about leadership, age, and the dynamics within the White House. The memoir is expected to release on September 23, 2023, and promises to reveal more personal insights and challenges faced during her time in office.
For more on Kamala Harris’s perspective, check out The Atlantic’s excerpt where the details of her experiences are explored in depth.
