Kamala Harris, who ran for president in 2024 after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, has provided a detailed account of her campaign in her memoir ‘107 Days.’ The book sheds light on the internal dynamics within the Democratic Party as key figures debated whether she should receive immediate support or earn it through a formal nomination process. Harris recounted conversations with top Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who both urged her to wait before receiving public endorsements. Instead of rushing to support her, they suggested she needed to ‘earn it’ by going through a proper primary-style process.
While some Democrats, like Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, offered their full backing, others resisted, including Obama and Pelosi. ‘Saddle up! Joe did what I hoped he would do. But you have to earn it,’ Obama reportedly told Harris in a phone call that she detailed in the book. Meanwhile, Pelosi expressed concerns about the decision-making process, insisting that the party should have a primary-style selection rather than a direct endorsement.
Other prominent Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, also hesitated to endorse Harris, citing timing or other logistical reasons. Newsom, for instance, reportedly said, ‘Hiking. Will call back,’ before not following up. Pritzker, as the host of the Democratic National Convention, claimed he couldn’t commit to endorsing Harris immediately. Meanwhile, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she needed to consult with her colleagues before making a public statement.
Despite the mixed support, Harris received backing from several party figures, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Roy Cooper, as well as Clinton, who expressed willingness to help campaign with her. The memoir also highlights the challenges Harris faced in building her campaign after Biden’s exit, with only over 100 days to campaign against a formidable opponent in Donald Trump. Harris is now set to begin a book tour, which will provide further insight into the political landscape of the 2024 election, where concerns about Biden’s mental acuity played a significant role in the race.
While Harris’ memoir provides a window into the party’s internal debates, it also underscores the complexities of political strategy and the challenges of maintaining unity within a major party when a key leader withdraws. The book, which has drawn attention for its candid revelations, is expected to spark further discussions about the role of endorsements in major presidential campaigns and the influence of high-profile members on the course of a political race.