Former Vice President Kamala Harris has opened up about her complex relationship with Jill Biden in her forthcoming memoir, "107 Days." The book offers an insider's look at the dynamics within the Democratic Party, particularly in the lead-up and aftermath of President Joe Biden's withdrawal from his re-election campaign.
In a revelation that has stirred political circles, Harris recounts a tense encounter on July 4, 2024, between her husband, Doug Emhoff, and Jill Biden at the White House. The former First Lady reportedly took Emhoff aside into the Blue Room to ascertain his and Harris's loyalty. Harris quotes Jill as demanding, "What’s going on? Are you supporting us?" Despite Emhoff's assurance of support, Jill Biden's response was terse: "Okay. That’s really important. We need to know that."
The incident left Emhoff visibly unsettled, as he later expressed to Harris his frustration over Jill Biden's doubt after years of partnership. Harris describes this confrontation as indicative of deeper rifts within the party, exacerbated by Joe Biden's problematic debate performance on June 27, 2024, against then-President Donald Trump. Harris characterized Biden's debate showing with stark terms like "confusion, incoherence, and debility," while also confessing to her own inaction during Biden's faltering campaign.
As the Democratic Party grappled with the fallout of Biden's campaign, Harris's memoir paints a portrait of alienation and strategic maneuvering. When Biden officially exited the race on July 21, 2024, another brusque exchange transpired, with Jill Biden warning Emhoff about the harsh realities of political life.
The memoir also touches on the longstanding tension that dates back to the 2019 Democratic primary debate, where Harris famously challenged Biden on his past stance on busing. Harris suspects that this moment never fully settled with Jill Biden, hinting at a grudge that persisted throughout their professional association.
Harris's 2024 campaign, which followed Biden's exit, further highlighted the division, as she sought counsel from the Clintons rather than the Bidens. Notably, Jill Biden was conspicuously absent from the acknowledgments in "107 Days," though Harris did extend gratitude to Joe Biden.
The book's accounts underscore the fractures and strategic calculations that have marked the recent history of the Democratic Party. Harris's reflections on what she terms a "reckless" re-election bid by Biden reveal the deep scars and ongoing narrative of discord as the party continues to navigate its future path.