Former Vice President Harris’s Book Reveals Doubts About Running Mate
A new book by former Vice President Kamala Harris is creating a stir, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shaped her 2024 presidential campaign. In “107 Days,” Harris reflects on her selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, revealing he wasn’t her first choice.
According to excerpts published in The Atlantic, Harris initially favored former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. However, she ultimately deemed the pick “too risky,” suggesting that choosing a gay man might have been a bridge too far for the country at that time.
She stated Buttigieg “would have been an ideal partner — if I were a straight White man,”
“But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,” Harris wrote. “Part of me wanted to say, ‘Screw it, let’s just do it.’ But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.”
“And I think Pete also knew that — to our mutual sadness,” she continued.
The book raises important questions about the role of identity politics in presidential campaigns and whether a focus on demographics can sometimes overshadow other qualifications. Some might argue that choosing a running mate based primarily on identity risks alienating voters who prioritize experience and shared values.
Harris also recounts her disappointment with Walz’s performance during the vice-presidential debate against then-candidate JD Vance. She expressed frustration with what she perceived as Walz’s overly conciliatory approach.
Harris noted that Vance took a mild-mannered approach, in contrast to President Donald Trump’s confrontational debate style.
“When Tim fell for it and started nodding and smiling at JD’s fake bipartisanship, I moaned to Doug, ‘What is happening?’” she wrote.
“I told the television screen: ‘You’re not there to make friends with the guy who is attacking your running mate,’” she continued.
She also criticizes Walz’s handling of a question about his past claims of being in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square democracy protests.
Harris went on to state that Walz “fumbled his answer when the moderator, predictably, questioned why he had claimed to be in Hong Kong during the democracy protests in Tiananmen Square,” and rather than stating he misspoke, Walz instead “talked about biking in Nebraska.”
These revelations could fuel further debate about the selection process for vice-presidential candidates and the importance of choosing someone who can effectively defend the party’s platform and values. For many conservatives, a strong running mate should possess a clear and consistent message, unafraid to challenge opposing viewpoints and defend traditional American principles.
The book’s release comes as Harris has ruled out a run for California governor in 2026, fueling speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2028. Her reflections on the 2024 campaign offer valuable insights into the challenges and considerations that shape political decision-making at the highest levels. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully vetting candidates and choosing individuals who are not only qualified but also aligned with the core values and principles of their party.
