Vice President Kamala Harris Calls Out Biden’s 2024 Reelection Decision in Upcoming Memoir
In her forthcoming memoir, 107 Days, set for release on September 23, Vice President Kamala Harris offers a revealing critique of President Biden’s decision to run for reelection in 2024. This book aims to provide insights into the political miscalculations that plagued Biden’s campaign leading to its downfall.
A Reckless Decision?
Harris characterizes the reelection bid as a product of "recklessness" rather than astute political strategy. In the book, she reflects on the environment in the White House, stating that decisions were largely influenced by personal loyalties rather than sober assessments of Biden’s electability.
A Candid Reflection
Harris articulates the atmosphere within the White House with the mantra, "It’s Joe and Jill’s decision," suggesting a level of groupthink that hindered sound judgment.
“In retrospect, I think it was recklessness,” Harris admits. “The stakes were simply too high.”
She emphasizes that such a significant decision shouldn’t rest solely on personal ambition or ego.
Challenges of Speaking Up
Harris acknowledges the difficulty she faced in addressing the reelection prospects given her role. She elaborates:
“Of all the people in the White House, I was in the worst position to make the case that he should drop out.”
The fear of being viewed as self-serving, she reflects, further complicated her concerns about national interests.
Defending Biden’s Leadership
Despite her criticisms, Harris stands firmly in defense of Biden’s capabilities and leadership skills. Refuting claims of a cover-up regarding Biden’s cognitive abilities, she states:
“Joe Biden was a smart guy with long experience… able to discharge the duties of president.”
However, she acknowledges that age was a factor in his performance, particularly during high-pressure moments like the much-criticized June debate against Donald Trump.
The Debate That Defined a Campaign
Harris argues that Biden’s poor showing in the debate cannot be attributed to cognitive decline but rather an exhausting schedule:
“I don’t believe it was incapacity… Joe got tired.”
She notes that the debate performance came immediately after demanding trips, signaling that fatigue played a significant role.
Friction Within the Administration
The memoir also sheds light on tensions between Harris and Biden’s inner circle, particularly regarding their response to criticisms of her vice presidency. Harris expresses frustration that Biden’s communications team was slow to defend her against attacks from conservative media.
Uneven Support
- Lack of Defense: Harris claims the White House’s communications team had ample resources but failed to counteract negative narratives about her performance.
- Improving Polls, Declining Support: Paradoxically, she observed that as her polling numbers rose, the reluctance to support her became more pronounced.
A Short-Lived Campaign
107 Days meticulously chronicles the brief span between Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race and Trump’s election. Harris’s own campaign, which lasted just 107 days, marked one of the shortest in modern U.S. history, highlighting the tumultuous political landscape they navigated.
Conclusion
107 Days promises to be a compelling exploration of power dynamics, personal loyalty, and the harsh truths of a flawed political campaign. Harris’s insights will not only paint a picture of her experiences but also offer important lessons for future electoral strategies.
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