Democrats are expressing discontent with former Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that her upcoming memoir, “107 Days,” arrives at an inopportune moment for the party. The book is set to be released on Tuesday, coinciding with what they hope will be a recovery following a major electoral defeat almost a year earlier.
Some party members argue that her memoir only heightens existing tensions within the ranks. One Democratic strategist remarked, “This couldn’t come at a worse time for us.” There’s a sense of frustration about revisiting past struggles rather than moving forward.
Garry South, a Democrat strategist from California, noted that, although he hasn’t read the book, the excerpts suggest that Harris is positioning herself on the offensive, attributing blame for her losses to others. He mentioned, “For anyone considering a run in 2028, this book paints a grim picture.”
Even before the official release, excerpts have already sparked discord among prominent party figures. Harris critiques former President Biden in parts of the book and questions his suitability for reelection. She recounts an instance where Biden reportedly called her to criticize her while avoiding a conversation about Trump.
Harris wrote, “I was puzzled why he was making it about himself.” She also referenced contemplating her rivals for the 2028 presidential run. When Pete Buttigieg learned about Harris’s take, he reflected on his identity and questioned whether he was viewed as an “ideal partner” due to being a “straight white man.” He expressed shock over Harris’s comments, saying, “I wouldn’t have run for president if I didn’t believe in a different approach.”
Both Harris and Shapiro, who had previously considered her as a running mate before Tim Waltz was chosen, have faced scrutiny regarding Harris’s perceived focus on her own vice presidential role rather than supporting the overall campaign. Shapiro indicated that an explanation might be necessary for why Harris didn’t alert Biden earlier on certain issues.
In one notable exchange, Harris claimed that California Governor Gavin Newsom failed to reach out to her, while he was quick to contact her for a different matter. She also mentioned Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who initially hesitated to commit to hosting the 2024 convention but later supported her.
As Harris prepares for the book launch, some see it as a chance to reshape her narrative and provide unique insights into a remarkable election cycle. Harris became a candidate after Biden exited the race in July 2024, following considerable pressure from party leaders, and she had just 107 days to mount her campaign.
However, some allies believe that greater accountability for her campaign’s failures should be evident in the book. One ally suggested there could have been more self-reflection. Jamal Simmons, who served as Harris’s communications director, defended her right to share her story, especially in light of the challenges she faced.
“People will recognize the hurdles she encountered,” he said, adding that while many supporters rallied around her, some struggles were unavoidable.
Harris’s book has drawn comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s post-election memoir, “What Happened,” which also attempted to reflect on campaign setbacks. One strategist emphasized that while former candidates have the right to narrate their experiences, it’s crucial they understand their perspectives are not rendered in isolation. It provides fodder for critics to label the party as fragmented while airing grievances.
Conversely, Anthony Coley, a strategist who worked during the Biden administration, argued that books from politicians are common following significant career moments. He believes it’s better for Harris to share her insights proactively rather than wait. He commended her for being open and candid, reflecting a level of transparency that is often desired in elected officials. He did express some regret regarding Harris’s statement, wishing she had been more forthright during the campaign.
