Kamala Harris calls Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection bid “recklessness” in her new memoir, reflecting on his age, debate struggles, and her failed campaign.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has described President Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection in 2024 as “recklessness,” according to excerpts from her forthcoming memoir 107 Days published Wednesday by The Atlantic.
“And of all the people in the White House, I was in the worst position to make the case that he should drop out,” Harris wrote. “I knew it would come off to him as incredibly self-serving if I advised him not to run. He would see it as naked ambition, perhaps as poisonous disloyalty.”
Harris added, “‘It’s Joe and Jill’s decision.’ We all said that, like a mantra… Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness. The stakes were simply too high.”
Her reflections come a year after Biden bowed out of the race following a faltering debate performance, which intensified scrutiny of his age and fitness. Harris briefly ran before losing the election to Donald Trump.
In the book, set for release on Sept. 23, Harris stresses Biden’s capabilities but notes his struggles with fatigue at 81. She begins a 15-city book tour later this month.
The White House and Biden’s office have not commented.