Harris Critiques Top Democrats in $20M Memoir amid 2024 Campaign Turmoil

Kamala Harris's new memoir, "107 Days," offers a candid and critical reflection on the chaotic period following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and her subsequent endorsement as his successor. Harris recounts her efforts to secure support from prominent Democrats, including a pointed critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom for not returning her call promptly, which Newsom attributes to not recognizing her number while he was drafting his endorsement statement. The memoir also highlights hesitancy and political calculation among other Democratic leaders such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, whom Harris describes as ambitious but indiscreet. Harris expresses admiration for Pete Buttigieg, her first choice for vice president, praising his qualifications but ultimately deciding against him due to concerns about voter reception to both a Black woman president and a gay male vice president. The memoir has sparked debate within the Democratic Party, with some praising Harris's honesty and others pushing back against her assessments, revealing tensions and rivalries as the party looks ahead to the 2028 presidential nomination. Overall, the book serves as both a personal political reckoning and a commentary on the challenges Harris faced within her own party during a pivotal moment.