In a revealing passage from her upcoming book, 107 Days, Vice President Kamala Harris expresses her disappointment in President Joe Biden's inability to show adequate empathy for the civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a copy of the book obtained by Axios, Harris recounts her plea to Biden to extend the same compassion he demonstrated for Ukrainians to the innocent Gazan civilians suffering from the violence exacerbated by Israel's response to Hamas' attacks on October 7.
Harris writes, "While he could passionately state, 'I am a Zionist,' his remarks about innocent Palestinians came off as inadequate and forced." This critique is part of a larger narrative in her book, which aims to distance herself from Biden's policies, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The timing of her revelations is particularly significant as it follows her restrained approach during the previous year's campaign, where she refrained from openly addressing any disagreements with Biden.
Throughout 107 Days, Harris dedicates substantial sections to discussing the complexities of the Israel-Gaza situation and the growing frustration among the left wing of the Democratic Party regarding Biden's perceived favoritism toward Israeli leadership. She argues that Biden's unpopularity is reflected in her own political prospects for 2024, particularly criticizing his "blank check" approach to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Harris asserts that Netanyahu, a conservative figure, was not interested in Biden's loyalty, preferring to engage with Donald Trump instead.
Despite the revelations in Harris' book, both Harris and Biden's spokespeople previously denied any significant disagreements between the two on the Gaza issue. In response to an article by Politico in December 2023, which highlighted Harris' push for a more sympathetic approach toward Palestinians, Harris' spokesperson, Kirsten Allen, stated, "There is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been." This statement contradicts the insights shared in Harris' latest work, underscoring the tension within the administration regarding foreign policy.
Interestingly, Biden has expressed frustration, both privately and publicly, about the high civilian casualty rates in Gaza. In March 2024, he stated, "You can't have another 30,000 Palestinians dead as a consequence of going after Hamas," labeling such a death toll as a "red line." In subsequent comments, he emphasized that Israel needed to do more to protect civilians, showcasing a complex interplay between his support for Israel and his concerns for Palestinian lives.
Adding another layer to her narrative, Harris reveals that the protests regarding Gaza significantly influenced her decision-making when selecting a running mate during the last election cycle. In her discussions with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, they addressed the challenges posed by the public's reaction to the Gaza conflict, particularly in light of the anticipated large protests at the Democratic convention. While Shapiro had previously written controversial opinions about Palestine, he later evolved his stance to support a two-state solution, highlighting the shifting perspectives within the Democratic Party.
Harris articulates her support for Israel's right to defend itself while simultaneously critiquing Netanyahu's aggressive military response. She states, "I believe Israel was right to respond to the atrocities of October 7," but cautions that the intensity of Netanyahu's actions has weakened Israel's moral standing on the global stage and incited dissent within Israel itself.
Moreover, Harris expresses her frustration with left-wing protesters who interrupted her rallies concerning Gaza, stating, "The threat to withhold their vote got to me. It felt reckless." She reflects on the complexities of the issue, noting that while she understands the urgency, the upcoming election's stakes were significant. Questioning why such protests weren't directed at Trump rallies, she underscores the multifaceted nature of the political landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As Harris prepares to release 107 Days, her candid reflections on Biden's foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Gaza, promise to ignite further discussions about the future direction of the Democratic Party and its stance on international issues.
