After the dust settled, Kamala Harris was in disbelief. “I could barely breathe,” she writes in her upcoming book, recounting the moment she learned she had lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump.
As her staff peeled “Madame President” off celebratory cupcakes, Harris pondered the future of the country, repeatedly asking, “My God, my God, what will happen to our country?”
The following morning was just as challenging for Harris. She found herself stuck in denial and bargaining stages of grief, far from acceptance.
In her book titled “107 Days,” which is set to release soon, Harris reveals raw emotions and candid reflections on the hyperspeed campaign she launched against Trump after Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
Despite her typically guarded nature, the book showcases Harris unfiltered. She admits to errors, shares frustrations, and recounts unusual incidents from the campaign.
Instead of a meandering memoir or political manifesto, the book serves as a countdown to Election Day, packed with revealing anecdotes.
Here are some standout moments:
‘Joe got tired’
Harris asserts in the book that she never doubted Biden’s capability to serve as president. “If I believed that, I would have said so.”
“But at eighty-one, Joe got tired,” Harris penned. “That’s when his age showed in physical and verbal stumbles.”
Reflecting on Biden’s campaign, Harris criticized his inner circle for pushing him when it became evident that any campaign was too much. The tension peaked during the debate with Trump, where Harris sensed Biden wasn’t at his best.
After the debate, Biden’s team handed Harris talking points claiming “JOE BIDEN WON,” despite the evident challenges.
Biden was a source of frustration
While Harris spoke warmly of her collaboration with Biden, there were moments of tension. During a Fourth of July event at the White House, Jill Biden questioned Harris’ loyalty, leading to a heated exchange between their spouses.
Another incident involved Biden calling Harris before her debate with Trump, raising concerns about her alleged criticism of him. Harris felt Biden made the conversation about himself, showcasing a lack of support.
“I just couldn’t understand why he would call me, right now, and make it all about himself,” Harris reflected.
Hindsight is 20/20
Harris acknowledges her own missteps, notably a damaging appearance on “The View” where she struggled to articulate differences between her and Biden. The incident, she writes, inadvertently aided the Trump campaign.
The book delves into Harris’ struggles to break free from Biden’s shadow and the impact of their association on her candidacy.
David Plouffe, a senior adviser, bluntly informed Harris that “people hate Joe Biden,” shedding light on the challenges she faced.
The VP’s search for a VP
Harris reveals her initial choice for a running mate was Pete Buttigieg, but she felt it was too risky to pair him with a Black female presidential candidate. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was also considered, but Harris had reservations about his willingness to play second fiddle.
Ultimately, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, but his debate performance left her frustrated. The book hints at potential awkwardness at the next Democratic convention.
Surprisingly, there’s only a passing mention of California Gov. Gavin Newsom in Harris’ book, highlighting their distant relationship.
Taking over the campaign
Harris’ brother-in-law, Tony West, prepared a contingency plan called the “Red File” in case Biden had to step down. Harris initially resisted dwelling on such scenarios but eventually endorsed a preparedness approach.
When Biden eventually dropped out, Harris convinced him to endorse her immediately to strengthen her position. She recalls the tense negotiations that led to Biden’s endorsement.
Things got weird sometimes
Campaigns can be surreal, and Harris’ experience was no different. She recounts odd moments like warming up for a speech by emitting animal noises with her team.
Additionally, Harris shares a peculiar conversation with Trump after an assassination attempt, where he surprisingly praised her and his daughter Ivanka’s admiration for her.
As the call concluded, Harris couldn’t help but marvel at Trump’s ability to charm despite his divisive nature.
