Kamala Harris Reflects on Biden’s Debate Performance in New Memoir

Kamala Harris has addressed the controversy surrounding Biden’s campaign during their debate with Donald Trump, expressing her reluctance to celebrate a performance that was widely criticized. In her memoir, *107 Days*, she emphasizes that Biden didn’t emerge as the clear winner from that debate, despite what the campaign might have hoped.

“Joe Biden won,” she insists, underscoring his determination to fight for Americans, even while battling a cold during that tense debate. However, the memoir reveals a different narrative—Biden’s performance ultimately led to concerns about his campaign and questions about his mental sharpness, which had already been a talking point leading up to the debate.

At one point, Harris recalls her immediate reaction when Biden appeared to announce himself as the winner. “Are you teasing me?” she thought to herself.

In the lead-up to the debate, Biden had expressed frustration, revealing to Harris that he was “angry.” Her book recounts how the chaotic debate showcased Biden struggling to articulate his thoughts while Trump, in contrast, was assertive, albeit with questionable accuracy.

Biden’s awkward moments—like the infamous Medicare phrase that left many confused—did not go unnoticed. Harris reports how Trump capitalized on those missteps, highlighting a moment when he quipped, “Well, he’s right. He beat Medicare.” This, of course, did not help Biden’s case.

Campaign staff were actively monitoring public reactions, and they were consistent in describing the debate as a “disaster” or “embarrassment.” Tensions ran high, even among supporters—Harris noted an incident where her husband experienced ire from Hollywood figures during a watch party.

As her team prepared for interviews about the fraught debate, Harris reflected on light-hearted moments, notably a joke by Richard Pryor, which she found fitting for the reality they were facing. She felt compelled to remind voters that they shouldn’t let the spectacle of the debate cloud the truth about Trump’s misinformation.

In an interview with Anderson Cooper, she reiterated the importance of focusing on substance over style in the upcoming elections, pointing to the consistency of Trump’s dishonesty and his lack of accountability regarding January 6th.

Biden’s office has not commented on the memoir or its implications. Harris’ book, released recently, details her experiences during a tumultuous election cycle, particularly after Biden decided to withdraw from the presidential race.