Kamala Harris Launches Book Tour Amid Mixed Reactions from Democrats

Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping back into the public eye with the release of her memoir, “107 Days,” and a 15-city book tour. However, the enthusiasm within the Democratic Party is far from unanimous. Following a tumultuous 2024 election campaign in which she lost every swing state and saw declining support across key demographic groups, some party members wish she would step aside.

Reflecting on the 2024 Election

Harris’s book aims to provide insights into her presidential campaign after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Set to release on Tuesday, the memoir has sparked debate among Democrats. Some are concerned that revisiting the events of the last election could create more division within the party, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s post-2016 election activities.

A Mixed Reception

Opinions are polarized, as noted during a recent segment on ABC’s "This Week." Stephen Smith, a sports analyst turned political commentator, expressed skepticism, stating:

“There’s nothing to elaborate about… I don’t think that she’s going to have any support from the Democratic Party.”

Some Democratic operatives fear that Harris’s reemergence may distract from efforts to unite and move forward as the party gears up for the next election cycle.

Critical Perspectives from Within the Party

In her memoir, Harris does not hold back when discussing some prominent Democrats. She criticizes:

• Governor Gavin Newsom of California for not returning her call due to being on a hike.
• Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, who advised Harris to "let the dust settle" before endorsing her.
• Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, who declined to support her outright, stating, “I can’t commit.”
• Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whom she initially considered for her ticket but later deemed "too big a risk" due to his sexual orientation.
• Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who expressed the desire to be involved in all decision-making processes.

A Scathing Take on President Biden

Harris also critiques President Biden in her book, questioning his decision to run for reelection:

“‘It’s Joe and Jill’s decision.’ We all said that, like a mantra… In retrospect, I think it was recklessness.”

Despite this frank assessment, she refrained from outright opposition to his candidacy, fearing it would appear self-serving.

Challenges Facing the Democratic Party

As the Democratic Party heads toward the 2028 election, it faces significant challenges, including:

• A decline of over 2 million registered voters after the 2020 and 2024 elections.
• A CNBC survey indicating a net favorability of -32 among registered voters, a near three-decade low.
• A drastic gap in fundraising, with the Republican National Committee currently holding $80 million compared to the Democratic National Committee’s $15 million.

Not Learning from Past Mistakes

During the Democratic National Committee’s recent summer meeting in Minneapolis, party leaders reiterated “woke” ideals, focusing on grievances rather than unity. Highlights included:

• Addressing systemic issues affecting Indigenous peoples.
• Remarks on crime, emphasizing a disconnect from the concerns of many Americans.
• An announcement about a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding minors and gender-related medical treatments.

Conclusion

As Kamala Harris embarks on her book tour, the reactions from within her party illustrate a deeper crisis. With many voters feeling disheartened and a fragmented party message, the path forward appears fraught with challenges. The coming months will be crucial not only for Harris but for the Democratic Party as a whole as they strive to rebuild and re-engage a disenchanted electorate.