Kamala Harris' candid memoir unveils her 'ideal' VP and the reason she lost

A Glimpse into Kamala Harris’ 2024 Presidential Campaign

Kamala Harris’ memoir of her 2024 presidential campaign reads like a cautionary tale. The events she recounts, once fresh and immediate, now feel distant against the backdrop of the Trump presidency, marked by protests in Washington and the indictment of former FBI director James Comey. Yet, the chapter titles—starting with “July 21. 107 Days to the Election”—remind us that the election was only last year.

Harris reflects on the emotional toll of election night, when her campaign ended and Trump emerged victorious. She notes that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, never discussed the event until she began writing the book. Her reflections carry a sense of truth, even if the book is not the full story.

The Start of the Campaign

The first chapter, titled “Sunday July 21,” details the day Joe Biden withdrew from the race after his disastrous debate with Trump. Harris argued that Biden’s withdrawal was necessary to preserve his legacy, stating that she was “the only person” who could do so. She recalls the reactions of senior Democrats, including Bill Clinton, who expressed relief, and Gavin Newsom, who never returned her call.

Harris’ account is candid and sharp, highlighting the challenges of running a campaign under such intense pressure. Writing about a devastating defeat so soon after it occurred is rare, especially for a political figure. Harris credits her work with Australian author Geraldine Brooks, whose insights were invaluable in shaping the book.

Loyalty and Criticism of Biden

Harris is honest about Biden’s decline but remains loyal. She acknowledges that he was more knowledgeable and compassionate than Trump, though she admits he struggled to campaign effectively. She emphasizes the need for decisions to be made in the national interest rather than personal ambition.

Harris faced internal conflicts within the Biden team, including the departure of Mike Donilon, who was critical of her campaign. She describes how he downplayed poll data, leading to frustration among her staff.

Vice-Presidential Selection

Harris reveals the complexities of choosing a running mate. Pete Buttigieg was her first choice, but she deemed him too risky. Josh Shapiro and Mark Kelly were also considered, but concerns over potential attacks from Trump’s campaign led her to choose Tim Walz.

Harris found a strong connection with Walz, who she believed would support her effectively. Despite her team’s unanimous support, her husband leaned towards Shapiro. The outcome of the election might have been different had either been chosen.

Confronting Trump

Trump’s campaign trail antics were frequent and damaging. Harris recalls his infamous comment about her race, which she refused to engage with. Instead, she focused on addressing the issues that mattered most to voters.

Her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted her stance on the conflict in Gaza. While she supported Israel’s right to respond to the October 7 atrocities, she criticized the scale of the response and the impact on civilians.

Harris also addressed Biden’s gaffes, such as wearing a MAGA hat during a campaign stop. She described the internal struggle to avoid such missteps, knowing they could damage her campaign.

Women in Politics

Harris speaks openly about the challenges women face in politics. She highlights the extra time and effort required for appearance-related tasks, noting that women are still judged on these trivialities rather than their policies.

She draws parallels with Julia Gillard, sharing a conversation with Angela Merkel where she was told, “Don’t ever let them make you cry.” Harris never allowed herself to be discouraged by criticism.

Addressing Trump’s Tactics

Harris’ speeches often targeted Trump’s character, using phrases like “I know his type” to resonate with voters. She emphasized her experience in fighting predators and protecting consumers, a message that resonated strongly with crowds.

Her campaign was well-funded and had significant support, but she acknowledged that the 107 days were not enough to secure the presidency. Trump’s increased voter turnout and the challenges of economic issues like inflation and high interest rates played a role in the outcome.

Final Thoughts

Harris believes her loss was due to the short timeframe and the challenges of addressing key issues. She notes that Trump received three million more votes in 2024 than in 2020, while she received six million fewer than she and Biden did in 2020.

Despite her efforts to connect with Trump supporters, she felt she never fully reached them. Anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ ads funded by Republicans also impacted her campaign.

Harris’ campaign peaked in mid-September, but she never maintained a clear lead in the polls. On election day, she believed she would win, but the outcome was different.