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Former Vice President Kamala Harris has declared herself a “historic figure” while promoting her forthcoming memoir “107 Days,” sparking controversy and pushback from political figures mentioned in the book.
During a recent interview with The New York Times, Harris expressed confidence in her place in history, stating, “There will be a marble bust of me in Congress. I am a historic figure like any Vice President of the United States ever was.” Her reference acknowledges the Senate’s longstanding tradition, dating back to the late 1800s, of commissioning busts of vice presidents after they leave office.
Harris also highlighted the success of her ongoing book tour, noting, “Thousands of people are coming to hear my voice. Thousands and thousands. Every place we’ve gone has been sold out.” She told the Times that she no longer feels “burdened” by the need to achieve historical significance.
The former vice president’s memoir has become a platform for addressing perceived slights and settling scores with various Democratic Party figures, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and former President Joe Biden.
In her book, Harris claims Shapiro was overly demanding during vice presidential running mate considerations, writing that he asked numerous questions including “how he might arrange to get Pennsylvania artists’ work on loan from the Smithsonian.” She alleges he wanted involvement in every decision, prompting her to remind him that “a vice president is not a co-president.”
Shapiro, whom many political observers expected Harris to select as her running mate instead of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has vehemently denied Harris’ characterization. In an interview with The Atlantic, Shapiro called Harris’ account “complete and utter bull—-” and “blatant lies.”
“I did ask a bunch of questions,” Shapiro acknowledged. “Wouldn’t you ask questions if someone was talking to you about forming a partnership and working together?” He dismissed Harris’ portrayal, suggesting, “She’s trying to sell books. Period.”
The memoir also takes aim at the Biden administration, with Harris claiming she was sidelined throughout their term in office and during her presidential campaign against Donald Trump. “Getting anything positive said about my work or any defense against untrue attacks was almost impossible,” Harris writes. She further alleges the White House was content to let her “shoulder the blame” for the border crisis.
Harris’ book and accompanying publicity tour have drawn criticism from various quarters. The Washington Post recently published a critique suggesting Democrats don’t “have time to waste” on the former vice president, reflecting the party’s focus on rebuilding after electoral defeats.
The controversies surrounding “107 Days” highlight ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as it navigates its post-election landscape. Harris’ decision to publicly air grievances against fellow Democrats has raised questions about unity within the party at a time when many are calling for cohesion and forward-looking strategies.
For Harris, the book represents both a personal vindication and a potential platform for future political ambitions. Her emphasis on historical significance suggests she views her vice presidency as consequential regardless of the election outcome, positioning herself within the American political tradition even as she critiques aspects of it.
As the book tour continues, political observers will be watching closely to see how Harris’ revelations and self-positioning affect her standing within the Democratic Party and her prospects for any future political endeavors.
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9 Comments
Kamala Harris appears to have a strong sense of her own importance and historical legacy. Her comments about a marble bust and the success of her book tour suggest an ambitious and confident individual. However, the true test will be how her memoir is received and whether it provides a balanced and insightful account of her time as VP.
Kamala Harris’s self-assuredness about her historical legacy is intriguing, though some may find it off-putting. A marble bust in Congress is a longstanding tradition, but her confident assertions about her significance are bound to spark debate. I’m curious to see how her memoir is received and whether it provides new insights into her tenure as VP.
Kamala Harris appears to have a high opinion of her own historical significance, but it remains to be seen whether the public will share that view. Her claims about the book tour’s success are noteworthy, though I’d be curious to see more details. It will be intriguing to read her memoir and assess its portrayal of key political figures.
Kamala Harris’s comments about a marble bust and her historical significance are certainly bold and attention-grabbing. While vice presidents have traditionally been honored in this way, her claims about her place in history seem rather premature. I’ll be interested to see how her memoir is received and whether it offers a nuanced perspective on her time in office.
Kamala Harris’s comments about a future marble bust and her historical significance seem rather presumptuous. While vice presidents have been honored with such busts, it’s unclear whether the public will view Harris in the same light. Her memoir could shed more light on her perspective, but I wonder if it will address any of the perceived slights and score-settling she mentions.
Kamala Harris’s comments about a future marble bust and her place in history are certainly eye-catching. While vice presidents have been honored in this way, her claims about her significance seem rather bold and premature. I’ll be interested to see how her memoir is received and whether it offers a balanced and insightful account of her time in office.
Kamala Harris is certainly not shy about touting her own legacy and accomplishments. While a marble bust in Congress may be a longstanding tradition, her confident assertions about her place in history are bound to stir debate. I’m curious to see how her memoir is received and whether it provides new insights into her time as VP.
Kamala Harris’s confident assertions about her historical legacy and a future marble bust are sure to generate discussion. While vice presidents have traditionally been memorialized in this way, her comments appear to be a bit presumptuous. I’ll be curious to see how her memoir is received and whether it provides new perspectives on her time as VP.
Interesting that Kamala Harris is already envisioning a marble bust of herself in Congress. She seems quite confident about her place in history, though some may find her comments controversial or self-aggrandizing. I wonder how her memoir will be received and what it will reveal about her time as VP.