In a revealing excerpt from her upcoming book titled 107 Days, former Vice President Kamala Harris candidly discusses former President Joe Biden's decision to run for a second term. Published by The Atlantic, these excerpts highlight Harris's belief that the decision should not have been dictated by personal ambitions or ego but should have involved broader considerations.
Harris, who unexpectedly became the presumed Democratic nominee for president in July 2024 after Biden's withdrawal from the race, expresses concerns over the implications of leaving such a significant choice solely to the former president and first lady. "It’s Joe and Jill’s decision," she recalls, noting how this mantra seemed to hypnotize those around them. In her reflections, she questions whether Biden's choice to run again was an act of grace or, as she ultimately concludes, a form of recklessness. "The stakes were simply too high," she writes, emphasizing that this was a decision that transcended personal ambition.
Harris grapples with her position within the White House, admitting that she considered suggesting to Biden that he should not seek reelection. However, she felt that her unique role put her at a disadvantage in making such a recommendation. "Of all the people in the White House, I was in the worst position to make the case that he should drop out," she reveals. Harris feared that advising Biden against running again would come off as self-serving, revealing the complex dynamics at play within the administration.
In addition to her reflections on the electoral decision, Harris provides a critical assessment of Biden's inner circle. She asserts that his staff often failed to defend her against unfair criticisms. "It seemed as if they decided I should be knocked down a little bit more," she writes, highlighting the challenges she faced amidst negative narratives, including claims of her office being chaotic. This critique underscores the internal struggles within the administration, particularly regarding support and solidarity.
Despite her criticisms, Harris also acknowledges Biden’s capabilities as a leader. She defends his presidency by asserting that even on his worst day, he displayed more knowledge, judgment, and compassion than his predecessor, Donald Trump. "But at 81, Joe got tired," she states, distinguishing between fatigue and incapacity. "I don’t believe it was incapacity. If I believed that, I would have said so." This nuanced perspective illustrates Harris's loyalty to Biden while prioritizing her commitment to the country.
Kamala Harris’s upcoming book promises to provide an insightful look into the dynamics of the Biden administration and the intricacies of political decision-making. By addressing critical issues such as personal ambition, electoral strategy, and the responsibility of leadership, 107 Days is set to spark conversations about the future of the Democratic Party and the implications of leadership choices as the nation heads into the 2024 elections.
