Kamala Harris Book Review: ‘107 Days’ – Insight, Not Hope
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the provided text, focusing on Kamala Harris’s outlook as presented in her book “107 Days”:
Core Argument & Self-Perception:
* Strategic Choice as VP: Harris believed she was chosen as Vice President by Biden and his team as she was seen as the least risky option - the one most likely to preserve his legacy. She was considered the ”strongest position to win,” most qualified, and had the highest name recognition. Others,she felt,would be fast to criticize Biden’s work.
* Loyalty & Complicated Feelings: She initially felt warmth and loyalty towards Biden, but those feelings became “more complicated” over time. She never doubted his competence, but did worry about public perception of him.
Criticisms & Concerns (as expressed in the book):
* Lack of Support/Being Left Out: Harris repeatedly details instances where she felt excluded from key decisions or didn’t receive robust support from Biden’s inner circle.
* biden’s Re-election Decision: She strongly implies Biden’s decision to run for a second term was driven by personal ambition (“ego”) rather then what was best for the country. This is a particularly pointed criticism.
* Negative Public Sentiment: A senior advisor, David Plouffe, bluntly told her “Peopel hate Joe Biden,” and advised her to distance herself during the campaign.
* Cynical Political reality: the book doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of politics. Jill Biden’s warning (“Be careful what you wish for. You’re about to see how horrible the world is.”) sets a cynical tone.
Overall Impression:
The excerpt paints a picture of a Vice President who felt strategically chosen, but also somewhat sidelined and frustrated.While she respects Biden’s abilities, she clearly believes he should have considered stepping aside for the good of the country. The book appears to be a candid, and possibly controversial, account of her experience in the White House.