Kamala Harris’s forthcoming memoir, titled “107 Days,” has ignited discussions among prominent political figures, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Claudia Harris, in her book, cracks open grave doubts about President Joe Biden’s choice to run for his second term. She refers to this decision making as “dereliction.” Her candid observations about the Biden administration and her role as Vice President have drawn varied reactions from her peers.
In her memoir, Harris offers an arresting account of a pivotal meeting with Shapiro. He inquired of her as to how things are living up there in the Vice President’s House. He even inquired about whether the Smithsonian would be interested in lending pieces of artwork from Pennsylvania to display. These three unbelievably powerful discussions speak to the deeply human side of political life. They illustrate the pressures and expectations that still weigh heavily upon leaders.
Harris didn’t hesitate to express her discomfort with the limits of her position. She pointed out that it’s “an unrealistic expectation” for her to be there on every decision. She made clear, too, that “a vice-president is not a co-president,” pointing to the specific and separate duties that exist under the executive branch. This sentiment reflects a larger, ongoing debate over the overall system of governance and separation of powers between the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
Harris was said to have viewed Buttigieg as one of the best possible running mates for Biden. She pointed out that he could have been “the perfect partner” if the stars had aligned, especially if he had been “a straight white man.” This predominantly speech-related remark has loosened the floodgates of controversy and debate in political circles. It reveals the complicated dark arts of identity politics in our current electoral environment.
At the same time, Harris admitted that she was uncomfortable with the idea of challenging Biden on his ability to serve. She worried that the resulting speeches, if poorly executed, risked coming off as tremendously self-serving and felt like “toxic disloyalty.” This internal conflict illustrates the fine line that Vice Presidents always have to walk. They roll with the punches on matters that have the potential to sink their administrations.
In her memoir, Harris draws a bright line between Biden’s governing record and his capacity to run—and gun—for a second term. Nationally, she raised alarms about Biden’s readiness to counter a likely difficult campaign cycle. Shapiro echoed her support, pointing to his own successful electoral wins in the state of Pennsylvania. Shapiro noted that Harris would “have to answer” for not publicly raising alarms about Biden’s declining abilities during his presidency.
Shapiro criticized Harris for being “in the room” during critical decisions but failing to voice concerns about Biden’s condition. He contextualized this challenge in terms of the 2024 race to come. Biden ended up losing Pennsylvania in that election, a state that is increasingly important for national outcomes. His hard-won perspective illustrates what leadership decisions mean for electoral outcomes.
In talking about the prospect of political violence in America, Shapiro touched on the elevated volatility present in today’s political environment. His comments reflect a growing concern among leaders about maintaining civility and safety in political discourse.
Buttigieg’s dismay on hearing the news, Buttigieg tells us on reading Kamala Harris’s memoir. She argued that his identity as a gay man made him a risky choice for a running mate. His reaction rings true to today’s conversations around representation and inclusivity in politics. It particularly hones in on how we choose candidates for key positions.
Harris’s memoir, River of Renewal, is due out next spring. It positions her with big name governors such as Shapiro, Gavin Newsom and Buttigieg, all considered to be possible candidates for the 2028 presidential contest. The conversations initiated by her book may shape future political strategies and alliances as these leaders navigate their ambitions in an evolving landscape.