Harris Reflects on Tim Waltz’s Debate Performance in New Book

In her new book, “107 Days,” former Vice President Kamala Harris shares insights about her running mate Tim Waltz’s performance during a debate, expressing her disappointment with Senator JD Vance. She noted that Waltz needed to be “closer” in his arguments as they approached October 1, 2024.

During the debate, Harris found herself frustrated and turned to her husband for support. “As Tim started nodding and smiling at JD’s false sense of bipartisanship, I moaned to Doug, ‘What’s going on?'” She explained that she felt Waltz was misled by Vance’s calm demeanor.

Harris vented to the TV, saying, “You’re not there to make friends with the guy attacking your running mates,” highlighting her concerns over the debate approach. She observed that Waltz was hesitant, admitting he struggled with the debate format. “He was worried from the start that he wasn’t a good debater,” Harris wrote, noting that she had underestimated his concerns while believing he would shine on stage.

Labeling Vance a “shape shifter,” she expressed frustration over his tactics and the criticisms Waltz faced. “Tim tried to stick to his governor record, but when it came to tough questions, like being accused of being in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen protests, he stumbled,” she recounted.

Harris recalled a surprising moment following the debate when she and Doug were taken aback by a “Saturday Night Live” skit, emphasizing the strange intensity of that evening. “Our night portrait was creepy,” she added, reflecting on how they didn’t literally spit out their wine but were still shocked.

In her view, Waltz’s debate performance had little impact on their campaign, noting it didn’t significantly sway poll numbers. She admitted that she had thought she understood his motivations as a second-term governor amidst the pressures of a presidential race.

Harris explained that she encouraged Waltz to be “resilient” during the campaign, sharing that he felt attacked on personal grounds. “For candidates, the family that uplifts you can also be a liability during elections,” she acknowledged, noting Waltz’s frustration with the unfairness of it all.

Reflecting on her own journey, Harris recounted advice she received early in her career about the ruthlessness of politics. As she navigated the decision of selecting Waltz over other candidates, she emphasized her team’s support for him and noted familial ties influenced her choices.

Finally, she concluded by stating that it was essential for her to make the final call herself, regardless of the discussions with her family and staff. In the midst of all this, she humorously mentioned a cooking moment, seasoning a pork roast, which seemed to ground her amidst the whirlwind of decision-making.