In a recent interview with Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXM, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, broached a sensitive topic that has caused ripples within the political landscape. He questioned Vice President Kamala Harris's silence regarding President Joe Biden's capability to fulfill presidential duties. This conversation has gained traction as Harris's memoir, "107 Days," which discusses Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race and her subsequent campaign, is set to hit bookshelves.
Shapiro pointed out that Harris, having been "in the room," never publicly addressed concerns about Biden's condition during a pivotal period. He contrasted his own approach, revealing that he chose to convey his worries privately to Biden's team, whereas Harris chose to remain publicly silent. Shapiro suggested that Harris owes the public an explanation for her decision.
The release of the book coincides with heightened scrutiny over Biden's fitness for office following his contentious debate with Donald Trump in June 2024. This debate performance sparked widespread questions about his age, stamina, and mental sharpness, leading to considerable pressure from party officials, donors, and allies for him to reconsider his campaign. Ultimately, these concerns led Biden to bow out of the reelection race.
Harris's memoir delves into her perspective on these events, including her hesitancy to publicly urge Biden to step aside. She reflects on her silence as "recklessness," acknowledging the high stakes of the election and regretting not taking action. The opening chapter of the memoir details the moment Biden informed her of his decision to exit the presidential race, setting the stage for her 107-day campaign against Trump, which ended in defeat.
"107 Days" also reveals Harris's thoughts on selecting a running mate. Despite considering Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg her "first choice," she ultimately deemed a Harris–Buttigieg ticket too risky, given Buttigieg's sexual orientation and her own identity as a black woman married to a Jewish man. Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) was eventually chosen as her running mate.
The memoir doesn't shy away from depicting interactions with other political figures, including Shapiro, who was on her shortlist for vice president. Harris describes Shapiro as being overly concerned with the perks and status associated with the vice presidency, an image that Shapiro's spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, has since dismissed as inaccurate.
The dialogue surrounding Harris's memoir and the questions raised by Shapiro have ignited a debate about transparency and leadership within the Democratic Party. As the book hits the shelves, it is likely to fuel further discussion on the intersection of personal ambition, party loyalty, and the electorate's right to be informed about the health and capability of their leaders.
