Kamala Harris recently opened up about her time as vice president and her brief run for the presidential nomination in 2024. In her upcoming memoir, “107 Days,” she reflects on decisions made during that time, particularly regarding President Joe Bidenβs re-election bid.
Looking back, Harris sees it as a βrecklessβ choice to let Biden decide alone about running again. She writes about the pressures that surrounded them, noting how her own rising popularity caused tension among Bidenβs team. According to her, instead of supporting her, they felt threatened by her success. βWhen polls indicated I was getting more popular, the people around him didnβt like the contrast,β she explains.
Harris emphasizes that the stakes were high and should have involved more than just personal ambition. βThis wasnβt a choice that should have been left to an individualβs ego,β she remarks, highlighting the struggle for political identity between her and the Biden team.
In the chapter, Harris also touches on the issue of Biden’s age. While some critics emphasize his age as a liability, Harris defends him, stating, βOn his worst day, he was more deeply knowledgeable… than Donald Trump on his best.β However, she admits that age did take a toll, noting his tiredness during campaigns and debates.
Harris’s loyalty to Biden has been both a strength and a weakness for her. During her time on βThe View,β when asked if there was anything she would have done differently than Biden, she struggled to find an answer. βThereβs not a thing that comes to mind,β she said, which haunted her as criticism emerged.
Social media reactions have been mixed. While many supporters appreciate her honesty, others worry that her lack of criticism toward Biden may weaken her political future.
As she prepares to release her memoir, Harris hints at the possibility of another presidential run but has also been advised by close allies that her time in politics may be winding down. This complex relationship with Biden reflects a journey starting with her friendship with his late son, Beau, and evolving through their time working together in the White House.
In her memoir, Harris seeks to clarify her role, especially regarding her assignment on migration issuesβa task that many saw as a political burden. She recounts feeling undermined, stating, βNo one in the White House comms team helped me to effectively push back,” leading to the mischaracterization of her efforts.
The excerpts from “107 Days” reveal not just her personal struggles but also larger themes of loyalty, ambition, and the challenging dynamics of political life. As the nation looks toward future elections, Harrisβs insights offer a unique perspective on the responsibilities held within a high-stakes political environment.
For more on Kamala Harris’s insights from her memoir, check out the full excerpt in The Atlantic here.