In her new book, former Vice President Kamala Harris indicates that President Joe Biden’s unpopularity, including a ‘perceived blank check’ for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Gaza conflict, harmed her 2024 presidential bid, according to Axios. Harris suggests that Biden’s lack of empathy for Gazan civilians weakened his support and, by extension, her campaign. In the book, Harris recalls her attempts to persuade Biden to extend the same empathy he showed to Ukrainian civilians to the suffering of Gazans, but claims that she was met with insincerity and forced responses. She writes that while Biden passionately declares himself a Zionist, his comments on Palestinian suffering came off as inadequate and manufactured. Despite her criticisms, Harris maintains that Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks was justified, though she expresses concern over the high civilian casualties and the lack of prioritization for hostages. The former vice president’s book reflects her complex relationship with Biden and the broader domestic and international implications of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The former vice president’s book, ‘107 Days,’ was released on Tuesday, detailing her whirlwind presidential campaign. It reveals her frustration with the perceived inaction on the part of Biden, especially regarding the Gaza conflict, which she believes undermined her campaign. Harris also criticizes Netanyahu, stating that he ‘wanted Donald Trump in the seat opposite him. Not Joe, not me,’ according to Axios. This suggests a perception that Trump’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict was more aligned with Netanyahu’s interests. However, Harris’s criticism of Biden’s policies on Gaza, combined with her own political maneuvers, did not prevent her from losing the 2024 contest to Donald Trump, both in the Electoral College and in the popular vote. This outcome underscores the complex dynamics of the U.S. political landscape and the polarizing nature of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Harris’s criticisms of Biden and Netanyahu are part of a broader political discourse on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The book highlights the challenges of balancing national security concerns with humanitarian considerations in international relations. While Harris maintains that Israel’s right to defend itself is clear, her concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict and the geopolitical implications of the U.S. stance have sparked significant debate. The former vice president’s reflections on the 2024 election and her campaign strategy provide insight into the personal and political challenges faced by high-profile figures in American politics. As the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to shape global politics, Harris’s criticisms and her own reflections on the matter will likely remain part of the ongoing discourse on U.S. foreign policy and its impact on domestic politics.
Despite the criticism, Harris’s book also shows her commitment to the broader principles of U.S. foreign policy, including the pursuit of a two-state solution and the support for humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, her criticisms of Biden’s handling of the situation highlight the deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy. As the former vice president reflects on her campaign and the challenges she faced, it becomes clear that the Israel-Gaza conflict is not just a geopolitical issue but also a deeply personal one, with significant implications for the future of U.S. politics and international relations.