David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist, suggested on Wednesday that former Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up for another run at the White House. This comes after her announcement that she won’t seek the California governor’s position following her defeat last November.
In her statement, Harris acknowledged the privilege of being considered for the governorship but ultimately decided against pursuing it.
During an appearance on CNN’s *Source with Kaitlan Collins*, Axelrod commented, “It’s clear that I’ve read her statement that she’s running and setting herself up.” He added, “She starts out as the vote leader for every president by becoming the last candidate.” However, he noted, “Many Democrats want and look forward to turning all of that page, so it’s not going to be easy for her.”
In her departure from the governor’s race, Harris emphasized her ongoing commitment to supporting Democratic candidates. She remarked, “I am incredibly praised and respected by those who devote their lives to public service. I serve their communities and our nation. At the same time, I have to recognize that our politics, government and our systems have frequently failed the American people and have reached a culmination at this moment of crisis.”
She continued, “We must look ahead and be willing to pursue change through new ways and fresh thinking. We are committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook.”
Axelrod, who was a senior advisor to former President Obama, pointed out that even if Harris had entered the governor’s race, it wouldn’t have been an easy win. She would have faced tough competition from figures like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, given that Governor Gavin Newsom (D) is only serving a limited term.
He stated that losing the governor’s race could have marked the end of her political career. On a brighter note, Axelrod remarked in a memo that Harris had stepped into “half of the presidency” last November.
Harris is set to appear on CBS’s *The Late Show* for her first post-election interview on Thursday.
