Kamala Harris’ upcoming memoir, ‘107 Days,’ which is set to be released on Tuesday, includes a notable nod to former 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, potentially signaling a future presidential run for the Indiana governor in the 2028 election. DNC Vice Chair Shasti Conrad told Fox News Digital that the mention of Buttigieg in the book could serve as an open door for him to re-enter the presidential race, while also highlighting Harris’ potential for another presidential bid. The memoir gives insight into Harris’ decision-making process during the 2024 election cycle, including her initial consideration of Buttigieg as her running mate before ultimately selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The book also addresses the difficult choice Harris faced in balancing the risk of a diverse ticket with the necessity of securing electoral support.
Buttigieg, who previously ran for president in 2020 and endorsed Joe Biden, now faces the possibility of another run based on the book’s revelations. Conrad emphasized the significance of Buttigieg’s communication skills and his potential as a national leader, while also defending Walz as a candidate who could effectively address the concerns of the working class. Meanwhile, Buttigieg has expressed a belief in earning voters’ trust through actions rather than identity categories, a stance that aligns with the broader political discourse on representation and policy over personal attributes. The book also sheds light on the challenges Harris faced during her 2024 campaign, including her perception of being controlled by the administration and the internal dynamics within the Democratic Party.
Media pundits and D.C. insiders have criticized the choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris’ running mate, suggesting that other candidates such as Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro or Arizona’s Mark Kelly might have been more effective in countering Donald Trump’s campaign. However, Conrad has defended Walz, highlighting his ability to speak to the concerns of the working class. The book allows Harris to ‘speak her truth’ on the wild 2024 election cycle, including her acknowledgment of Biden’s fatigue during the campaign. While she denied any ‘big conspiracy at the White House to hide Joe Biden’s infirmity,’ the memoir underscores the complexities of her experience as a high-profile political figure. As the book’s excerpts continue to circulate, the conversation around the future of the Democratic Party and its potential candidates is set to intensify.
Additionally, the memoir has sparked a broader debate on the role of identity categories in political campaigns. Buttigieg, responding to the excerpts, emphasized the importance of focusing on what candidates can do for voters rather than reducing them to demographic labels. This stance reflects a growing trend in political discourse, where the emphasis is shifting from identity markers to policy and leadership qualities. As the Democratic Party looks ahead to the next presidential cycle, the implications of Harris’ memoir, the potential run of Buttigieg, and the evaluation of Walz as a candidate will likely play a crucial role in shaping the party’s strategy. With the 2028 election on the horizon, the political landscape is set to evolve, influenced by the revelations and discussions sparked by Harris’ memoir.