As the 2024 presidential campaign continues to be dissected, Kamala Harris is opening up about the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped her race against Donald Trump.
Her latest memoir, 107 Days, offers candid insights into rehearsals, political dilemmas, and personal interactions in the lead-up to the election.
Rehearsing for a Hypothetical Abortion Question
Harris reveals that her debate preparations with Trump included imagining even the most personal and potentially shocking attacks.
At one rehearsal, her team asked her to consider “the painful matter of imagining what kinds of personal attacks Trump might mount.”
One advisor speculated that Trump could ask her if she had ever had an abortion.
Harris considered several responses, from firmly saying, “That’s none of your business,” to entertaining dark humor suggestions like asking Trump about Viagra or questioning if he had ever paid for an abortion.
In the end, Trump never posed the question—a moment Harris later claimed as a small victory.
Reflections on Advising Biden
The memoir also explores Harris’ thoughts on President Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection in 2024.
She admitted regret over not pushing him to step aside sooner but recognized that doing so would have appeared “incredibly self-serving.”
Harris notes that she automatically followed the White House mantra that the decision was Biden’s to make with his family.
She candidly questions whether leaving the choice to Biden was “grace or recklessness,” ultimately concluding that the stakes were too high to rely on an individual’s ego or ambition.
Harris said any attempt to persuade him otherwise would have been viewed as self-interest, even if her goal was simply to prevent a Trump victory.
Tensions Within the White House
Harris’ memoir also recounts awkward and tense moments within the White House.
She described an encounter between her husband Doug Emhoff and Jill Biden during a Fourth of July celebration, just weeks before Biden withdrew from the race.
Jill, reportedly tense and frustrated, questioned the couple about their loyalty.
The exchange left Emhoff visibly upset, highlighting the strain of the campaign behind closed doors.
Behind the Book Tour
Since the release of 107 Days on September 23, Harris has been touring the country to discuss her memoir.
The tour, which began in New York City, has been described as more of a high-profile book event than a political listening tour for a 2028 run.
Tickets range from $75 to over $300, and the itinerary notably skips several key 2024 swing states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona.
Attempting to Rebuild Public Image
Harris is using the book and tour as an opportunity to share her personal perspective on the 2024 campaign, offering behind-the-scenes stories and lessons learned.
After her electoral loss to Trump, who secured 312 electoral votes compared to her 226, the former vice president is focused on revitalizing her public image and reflecting on the highs and lows of the race.