Harris maintains she is still a Democratic leader, but her new book has drawn sharp criticism for dividing the party and downplaying Biden’s struggles.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing back against critics, declaring she remains a top leader in the Democratic Party despite losing to President Trump in 2024. “I was the Democratic nominee for president. I came close to winning. Of course I do,” she told the Wall Street Journal while promoting her new book 107 Days. Insiders say the memoir, which criticizes Joe Biden and potential running mates, has fueled divisions within the party.
Some Democrats argue the book reveals weak leadership, with Bernie Sanders’ ex-campaign manager Faiz Shakir saying it shows Harris lacked conviction. Former aide Ashley Etienne called it a “missed opportunity” to highlight her vice-presidential role. Harris defended her account as a personal journal, not a tell-all.
Critics also fault her silence on Biden’s health decline and accuse her of deepening rifts between moderates and progressives. Still, Harris insists she remains focused on Democratic priorities and has signed with CAA, demanding $250,000 per speech.