Former Vice President Kamala Harris is making headlines again, but not in the way she might have hoped. Her newly released campaign diary takes aim at several fellow Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Harris’ Book Ignites Party Criticism
The book has sparked debate about whether Harris has damaged her chances for a 2028 White House run.
The book, titled 107 Days, recounts Harris’ experience during her short-lived presidential campaign. She points to a lack of time to make her case to voters as a key reason for her defeat. However, many Democrats feel she avoided taking personal responsibility. Critics argue that she focuses more on what others did wrong rather than reflecting on her own campaign decisions.
Joe Biden loyalists were also irked. Harris’ criticisms of the former president were mild, but some felt that even small remarks were unnecessary. Doug Emhoff, Harris’ husband, expressed frustrations about the difficult roles Harris faced during her vice presidency, but these remarks were not fully echoed by Harris herself.
Fellow Democrats Respond
Harris’ book has not just drawn criticism from Biden supporters. Some party members question why Harris resurfaced at all. Many Democrats prefer candidates to quietly step back after a loss rather than publishing inside accounts of campaigns. Hillary Clinton faced a similar backlash in 2017 when she released her own memoir after losing the 2016 election.
Inside the book, Harris offers sharp observations of potential 2028 contenders. She says Pete Buttigieg, the 2020 Democratic star, would have been her choice for vice president, but she feared the combination of a Black woman and a gay running mate might be too much for voters.
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Meanwhile, Harris describes other politicians, such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as ambitious and overly eager for leadership roles.
She also criticizes Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for not being fully supportive when Harris became the Democratic nominee-in-waiting after President Biden stepped aside. These candid remarks have only added fuel to the fire within her party.
Harris and Newsom’s Complicated Relationship
The most notable part of Harris’ book involves Governor Gavin Newsom. Harris and Newsom have known each other for decades. They rose to power in San Francisco at the same time. Their relationship has always mixed help and rivalry.
Harris says that when Biden left the 2024 race, she called top Democrats for support. Many answered quickly and positively. Newsom replied with a short text saying Hiking. Will call back. Harris says he never called back. He later gave a strong endorsement. Including this story shows the tension behind their public friendliness.
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Harris has not said she will run for president again. She avoids questions about 2028. Her answers do not confirm or deny plans. Newsom is trying to get national attention. He has not officially said he will run.
Harris’ book tour has drawn both attention and criticism. Political fans get a rare look inside the party. Many Democrats reacted sharply. The party often rejects candidates who try again. Republicans act differently. They often allow former candidates to run again, even if they lost before.
The book reveals many details about Harris’ campaign. Her way of telling the story has caused debate about her future in politics. Newsom seems focused on keeping alliances in the Democratic Party. Harris’ diary shows the rivalries and tensions among top party leaders.
