If the first chapter of Kamala Harris’ memoir, “107 Days,” is an indicator, the rest of the book promises to be a contentious portrayal of her time in the Biden administration. In an excerpt shared by The Atlantic, Harris criticizes President Joe Biden and his team, suggesting they played a significant role in her struggles during her tenure. From the outset, it becomes evident that Harris views her experience in the White House not as a stepping stone but as a stumbling block, casting blame on those around her.
Harris’s reflections on her role as “border czar” are particularly telling. She attempts to distance herself from the title, suggesting that her campaign did not want to acknowledge her involvement in border issues, which many would describe as disastrous. Yet, she takes responsibility for none of it, a pattern that the excerpt suggests might be consistent throughout the memoir.
Harris delves into discussions regarding Biden’s 2024 presidential bid, expressing doubt about the motivations behind his decision to run again. She wonders whether the choice was made out of “grace” or “recklessness,” concluding that it was the latter. She writes, “The stakes were simply too high. This wasn’t a choice that should have been left to an individual’s ego.” This statement opens the door to questions about her own accountability. If she was aware of the implications of Biden’s ambition, why did she feel powerless to advise him against running?
Her mention of the dynamic between herself and Biden raises eyebrows. She claims she was in the “worst position” to dissuade him from running again, fearing it would be interpreted as ambition or disloyalty. This paints an intriguing picture of both leaders, neither of whom appears well-served by the relationship. Her insistence on being unable to speak candidly about Biden’s candidacy suggests a troubling lack of trust and respect between them.
Moreover, Harris portrays Biden’s inner circle as anxious about her popularity, implying they may have undermined her to protect the president. She describes a culture where negative narratives about her were allowed to take root, especially regarding her staff turnover. “I often learned that the president’s staff was adding fuel to negative narratives,” she recounts, further emphasizing her belief that a concerted effort was made to diminish her standing. However, her portrayal of her chaotic office and high staff turnover as someone else’s fault seems to overlook her own track record of challenges in leadership roles.
The memoir thus begins to craft a narrative in which Harris is the victim of circumstances and political machinations beyond her control. Yet, the reality is more complicated. Critics might argue that her struggles with staff began long before she stepped into the Biden administration, a point that could undermine her current claims.
As the excerpt continues, Harris argues that her success as vice president would reflect positively on Biden, especially given concerns about his age. She contends, “If I did well, he did well.” This insight may resonate with some, as it speaks to the coordinated effort necessary for a functioning administration. Still, Harris does not appear to consider how her own shortcomings may have played a role in her perceived failures.
As the first chapter closes, it leaves readers to ponder the direction Harris’ memoir will take. Will she focus on lessons learned from her tenure? Or will she continue to point fingers, hoping to shift blame away from herself? Given her track record, many may suspect she will not embrace personal accountability. Such an approach risks reinforcing opinions that view her more as a product of identity politics than a leader with substantial contributions.
The backdrop of her political rise—rooted in her gender and race—cannot be ignored. Critics have pointed out that Harris’s ascent has often been credited to factors beyond her immediate qualifications. With mounting challenges ahead, some observers might question whether her strategy of blame-shifting can win over disillusioned voters seeking genuine leadership.
Ultimately, Harris’s book seems positioned to become a focal point in discussions about her future in politics. By placing much of the blame on the Bidens, she risks alienating parts of her base while simultaneously revealing underlying weaknesses in her leadership approach. With the political landscape ever-shifting, it remains to be seen how this memoir will shape her legacy and whether it offers any real insights into the challenges faced in the current political climate.
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