Some Democrats are speaking out regarding former Vice President Kamala Harris and her new memoir, as reported by Politico on Wednesday.
Frustration has been voiced by several individuals within Democratic circles, particularly after their attempts for the 2024 nomination fell short. This comes at a time when the party is grappling with unexpected setbacks in the election cycle.
“During a crucial moment when Democrats were rallying to defend the Constitution against the Trump administration’s actions, she had a genuine chance to be a significant voice of resistance,” said Michael Hardaway, a senior adviser to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “However, this book appears ineffective and fragmented, making it hard for her to represent the party as we look forward.”
An anonymous advisor connected to a potential 2028 presidential candidate remarked that Harris has decided to focus on “gossip,” which they feel undermines her political seriousness. “It’s pretty surprising she’d opt for a book that leans into pettiness when people are looking for real leadership during these troubling times,” they added. “It’s somewhat embarrassing for her and the party, especially considering she was the leader just a year back.”
In an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Harris admitted it was “reckless” not to voice her concerns about President Joe Biden’s decision to run again. When asked about future presidential ambitions, she stated that such thoughts aren’t her “focus right now.”
A former chief campaign strategist for Barack Obama commented, “If this was meant to kick off a campaign, it doesn’t seem like it’s taking off.” It almost feels more like personal catharsis than a real campaign initiative, he suggested.
Some within the party are concerned that if voters begin to perceive her as a “painful loser,” it could pose a political risk for her. Yet, despite the criticism, others have shown continued support. Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist who collaborated with Harris in 2020, noted that discussing hard truths could strengthen the party in the long run.
Harris announced in late July that she would not be running for governor in California, stirring rumors about a potential White House bid in 2028. However, polls indicate that many California Democrats are skeptical about her chances in another presidential campaign.
On Monday, CNN’s chief data analyst pointed out that Harris only maintains popularity among Democrats following her loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election. He mentioned that she faced a significant challenge, losing with a close margin—49.8% to 48.3%—making it the first time in 20 years a Republican candidate had this edge.
Harris’ office did not respond to requests for comments regarding these developments.
