Kamala Harris Slams Biden’s Decision to Run Again as ‘Ego,’ Claims His Staff Fueled Negative Rumors About Her

Kamala Harris Criticises Biden’s Decision to Run Again as ‘Ego,’ Alleges His Staff Fueled Negative Rumors

Kamala Harris has recently brought to light her perspective on her time in the White House during the build-up to her groundbreaking 107-day presidential campaign. In an exclusive excerpt from her upcoming memoir, “107 Days,” acquired by The Atlantic, the former vice president delves into the period leading up to former President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race and his subsequent endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris’ memoir, slated to hit shelves on September 23, recounts her last-minute decision to enter the presidential race amidst a politically charged year.

In the lead-up to Harris’ presidential bid, she wrestled with the idea of suggesting to Biden that he forego seeking reelection. However, Harris felt constrained by her role as the probable successor, apprehensive that such a recommendation might be perceived as self-serving or driven by ambition. Despite mounting calls for Biden to step down from the race, Harris and other advisors refrained from voicing their opinions, standing by the president’s choice. Describing the atmosphere within the White House, Harris reflected, “It’s Joe and Jill’s decision. We all said that, like a mantra, as if we’d all been hypnotized.” She noted the gravity of the situation, lamenting that the decision shouldn’t have solely revolved around personal desires.

The former vice president clarified that, personally, she did not consider Biden incapable of fulfilling his role. Despite observing signs of fatigue as Biden neared 81, both Harris and other White House officials believed in his superior judgement and experience compared to his opponent, Donald Trump. Harris emphasised that if she genuinely believed Biden was unsuitable for the presidency, she would have expressed her concerns, asserting, “As loyal as I am to President Biden, I am more loyal to my country.”

Harris’ memoir also delves into her tumultuous tenure as vice president, marked by an unparalleled level of scrutiny in comparison to her male predecessors. She recounted feeling deserted by Biden’s staff when the media launched unwarranted attacks on various aspects of her character and professional conduct. Harris highlighted instances where the administration failed to defend her against unfair accusations and even appeared complicit in perpetuating negative narratives about her. Commenting on the lack of support, she lamented, “When the stories were unfair or inaccurate, the president’s inner circle seemed fine with it. Indeed, it seemed as if they decided I should be knocked down a little bit more.”

According to Harris, not only did Biden’s team neglect to advocate for her, but they actively contributed to fuelling detrimental perceptions surrounding her. She detailed instances where her accomplishments were overshadowed, and her success as vice president was not adequately acknowledged or promoted by the administration. Harris underscored the importance of her visible achievements in bolstering Biden’s image and expressed disappointment that some failed to recognise the mutual benefit in her success. Significantly, Harris highlighted that if she excelled, it ultimately reflected positively on Biden’s leadership, especially considering concerns about his age.

The unveiling of this new excerpt coincides with Harris grappling with her next steps following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election. Having weighed the possibility of entering California’s gubernatorial race in 2026, Harris announced her decision not to pursue this avenue of public service. While this choice leaves her open to a potential presidential bid in 2028, Harris has yet to signal any definitive interest in vying for the White House again.

In response to the revelations in Harris’ memoir, PEOPLE reached out to Biden’s spokesperson for commentary on the excerpt, sparking further dialogue around the dynamics and challenges within the Biden administration during Harris’ tenure. As the narrative unfolds, Harris continues to navigate her political trajectory and contribute to the discourse surrounding leadership, gender dynamics, and transparency in the contemporary political landscape.

As Kamala Harris’ revelations prompt reflection and discussion on the complexities of leadership and internal dynamics within the political sphere, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within high-profile administrations. Harris’ candid account sheds light on the intricacies of power dynamics, loyalty, and the quest for effective governance in the face of internal and external pressures, offering valuable insights into the experiences of prominent figures navigating the complexities of public office.