Kamala Harris’s explosive memoir exposes bitter infighting and failed leadership at the heart of the Biden White House, casting new doubt on the Democratic Party’s ability to govern.
Story Snapshot
- Kamala Harris’s new book sharply criticizes Joe Biden’s “recklessness” in running for a second term amid mounting doubts about his fitness.
- The memoir details Harris’s marginalization and the chaos that plagued the Democratic campaign after Biden’s late withdrawal.
- Harris’s account has reignited scrutiny of Democratic decision-making, party unity, and leadership succession.
- Revelations fuel ongoing debate about loyalty, ambition, and the handling of political crises inside the previous administration.
Harris’s Memoir Unveils Internal White House Turmoil
Kamala Harris, former Vice President under Joe Biden, is making headlines with her memoir “107 Days,” in which she delivers a direct and public rebuke of Biden’s choice to pursue a second term. Harris calls the decision “reckless,” arguing that such a consequential move should never have rested solely with Biden and his wife, Jill, given the president’s advanced age and the stakes for the nation. Her book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic months leading up to and following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, revealing deep divisions and mismanagement within the Democratic leadership.
In her account, Harris describes being sidelined by Biden’s staff, even as her own polling numbers improved and Biden’s plummeted after a disastrous debate performance in June 2024. She details a White House culture that failed to defend her against public attacks and left her isolated during the most critical moments of the campaign. The memoir, scheduled for release in September 2025, paints a picture of an administration plagued by poor communication and a lack of strategic vision, contributing to the Democratic Party’s frantic search for a new candidate after Biden’s late exit.
Biden’s Withdrawal and the Fall of Democratic Unity
The events chronicled in “107 Days” underscore the risks of centralized, insular decision-making at the highest levels of government. Biden’s withdrawal on July 21, 2024, came only after months of public pressure and internal dissent, leaving the Democratic Party leaderless and scrambling in the face of a resurgent Trump campaign. Harris’s brief candidacy and her subsequent defeat highlighted the party’s failure to plan for succession and exposed underlying tensions between loyalty, ambition, and the need for transparency. The resulting disarray not only damaged Democratic prospects but also deepened skepticism among voters about the party’s competence and unity.
Harris’s criticism of the Biden team’s reluctance to defend her is particularly striking. She claims that the White House communications team failed to counter attacks from political opponents, compounding her sense of marginalization. This lack of support, along with the administration’s delayed response to concerns about Biden’s age and capacity, contributed to a perception of drift and indecision at a critical juncture. The memoir’s revelations have prompted both praise for Harris’s honesty and condemnation for airing internal disputes, with some analysts noting the rarity of such direct criticism from a former vice president.
Implications for the Democratic Party and U.S. Politics
The fallout from Harris’s memoir is already shaping debates about the future of the Democratic Party and broader questions of leadership in American politics. In the short term, the book has renewed scrutiny of the decision-making process that led to Biden’s failed re-election bid and the party’s mishandling of succession planning. Over the long term, these revelations may alter Harris’s own legacy and influence future contests for Democratic leadership. The dispute also raises fundamental questions about accountability, loyalty, and the burden borne by vice presidents serving under embattled presidents. For many Americans, especially those concerned about transparency and competence in government, Harris’s account reinforces longstanding frustrations with bureaucratic insularity and partisan infighting.
Kamala Harris goes scorched earth on Biden’s decision to run for second term: ‘Recklessness’ https://t.co/4OLU3fgpvL
— 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝑔𝒾𝑒𝟢𝟦𝟢𝟧 (@maggie0405) September 10, 2025
Public reaction to the memoir has been divided. Some commentators applaud Harris for her candor and willingness to challenge the status quo, while others criticize the timing of her remarks and their potential to further fracture an already divided party. Political analysts suggest the memoir could reshape narratives about the tumultuous 2024 election and prompt renewed calls for reform in how parties handle succession and internal dissent. As the book’s release approaches, its impact on both the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape is likely to intensify, sparking further debate about the challenges of leadership at the highest levels of government.
Sources:
Kamala Harris goes scorched earth on Biden’s decision to run for second term: ‘Recklessness’ – Axios
Kamala Harris Memoir: Former Vice President Criticizes Biden White House – TIME
107 Days by Kamala Harris – Simon & Schuster
