Criticism of Kamala Harris’ New Book and Media Appearances

The Washington Post’s editorial board recently took aim at former Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her new book and her return to public appearances. They suggested that with the 2028 elections approaching, time is not on the Democrats’ side to “wash” their previous candidates, hinting that the current situation might not be entirely beneficial for Harris.

The editorial discussed various interviews Harris conducted last week, including her talks on MSNBC with Rachel Maddow and on ABC’s “The View.” The board remarked that Harris’s book tour appeared even less compelling than her presidential campaign.

They noted, “In her first significant interview post-office, even in friendly territory, Harris seemed uncomfortable and somewhat evasive.” The editorial raised questions about her decisions regarding not supporting former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as a potential VP choice and her reluctance to distance herself from President Joe Biden during her campaign.

They also noted the strain in Harris’s relationship with Biden as she seems to grow closer to Hillary Clinton.

In a somewhat critical tone, the board pondered if Harris is just an exceptional political mind that falters when in front of the camera. They pointed out that taking time to articulate her thoughts through writing hasn’t improved her situation — almost every page of her book, “107 Days,” serves as a reminder of why she struggled to gain traction during her campaign.

The editorial suggested that Harris seems to be wrestling with her past experiences in politics, accusing her of lacking the boldness needed to effectively confront former President Donald Trump.

They went on to emphasize that, perhaps, a future presidential hopeful needs to adopt a more substantial persona, rather than presenting herself as uncertain in interviews. “What’s evident,” they concluded, “is that Harris’s moment in the spotlight is pressing, yet Democrats cannot afford to support someone perceived as unprepared.”

Other liberal commentators have echoed these sentiments. Notably, former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza criticized Harris’s recent media tour, asserting, “Her memoir reminds me that she’s just not a strong politician.”

During a recent conversation, Harris reflected on her previous 2024 aspirations, revealing an unexpected personal anecdote, suggesting she never expected the path to unfold as it did.

In a Tuesday interview on ABC News, when asked about her influence in the previous election, she firmly replied, “No, no,” denying that she had tipped the scales in her favor.

Furthermore, Harris acknowledged in another interview that she may not have fully grasped the significance of her relationship with Biden during their campaign. She suggested that she often highlighted the distinctions between them without coming across as disingenuous.