Reflections on a Missed Opportunity

Former Vice President Kamala Harris shared her thoughts on the unfortunate passing of Pete Buttigieg as a potential running mate in the 2024 election. She expressed worries that having a gay individual on the ticket could adversely affect her campaign.

After the unexpected losses in November, Harris deliberated on decisions that might have led to her downfall during the race. While she admired Buttigieg and considered him a strong competitor, she felt compelled to shy away from selecting a former transportation secretary because having a gay man alongside a Black woman was “a real risk.”

“The stakes were very high,” she emphasized.

In her book, “107 Days,” Harris openly acknowledged that Buttigieg was her first choice for running mate and viewed him as an ideal partner in the race. “He was a straightforward man,” she noted.

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow commented on this, saying it’s disheartening to hear that Buttigieg’s sexuality was a defining factor in decision-making.

Initially, Harris attempted to deflect the narrative, claiming that her choice was influenced by the tight timeframe rather than Buttigieg’s identity. Yet, she ultimately admitted that she chose Minnesota’s Gov. Tim Walz instead, facing the reality of high stakes.

“No, no, no, that’s not what I said,” Harris clarified. “As a Black woman running for president, having a gay male as a running mate made the stakes incredibly high. It was a tough realization.” She further explained that the decision didn’t stem from bias but from the urgency of the situation.

Harris praised Buttigieg’s capabilities, stating, “I think he’s an incredible civil servant, and America is ready for that.” Yet, she grappled with the idea that timing and societal perceptions played significant roles.

Buttigieg later responded, indicating he was taken aback by Harris’s reflections in her book. He expressed a belief that he deserved more faith from the electorate. “Trust is built primarily on what you’re aiming to do for people’s lives,” he added, stressing that the heart of politics lies in outcomes, not identity.