Former Vice President Kamala Harris has unleashed a candid critique of her running mate Tim Walz's debate performance in her latest book, revealing a moment of raw exasperation.
According to Fox News, Harris dedicated a chapter of her book "107 Days" to the October 1, 2024, debate between Walz and Sen. JD Vance. She had pinned hopes on the Minnesota governor to be the campaign’s closer, especially since she wouldn’t face Trump again on stage.
During the debate, Harris turned to her husband Doug in disbelief, moaning, “What is happening?” as Walz nodded along to Vance’s faux bipartisanship. She saw right through Vance’s mild-mannered act, wishing Walz hadn’t fallen for the charm offensive of a man she labels a “shape-shifter.”
Harris admits she placed heavy expectations on Walz, believing his quick wit at rallies would translate to the debate stage. She brushed off his early confessions of not being a strong debater, a misstep she now seems to regret.
The debate itself was a letdown as Walz struggled, particularly when pressed on his claim of being in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests. Instead of clarifying a simple mix-up of dates, he rambled about biking in Nebraska, missing a chance to highlight how his time in China shaped his views.
Harris’s frustration is palpable as she describes Walz defending his gubernatorial record rather than countering Vance’s attacks. It’s clear she wanted a fighter, not a defender, and watching him falter felt like a personal blow to the campaign’s momentum.
Post-debate, Harris recounts a “Saturday Night Live” skit that captured her and Doug’s reaction, minus the wine-spitting, with eerie accuracy. She notes the humor in the portrayal but underscores the real disappointment behind closed doors.
Walz himself felt the weight of his performance, and Harris tried to reassure him that one debate wouldn’t decide the election, pointing to negligible polling shifts. Still, her reflection hints at a deeper concern about whether he was truly prepared for the national stage’s brutal spotlight.
She also touches on the personal toll, noting how Walz grappled with unfair attacks on his record that stung his family. Harris sympathizes, acknowledging that a candidate’s strength—family—can become a vulnerability when the political machine churns out relentless criticism.
Harris urged Walz to remain resilient, recognizing that the political arena is no place for the faint-hearted. She recalls advice from an elderly man in Atlanta who warned her never to make the climb look easy, a lesson that rings true in this grueling campaign.
The unfairness of the attacks outraged Walz, and Harris seems to empathize with how such scrutiny can wear down even seasoned politicians. Yet, her tone suggests a belief that readiness for this kind of brawl is non-negotiable at this level of public service.
Reflecting on her choice of Walz over other contenders like Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, and Pete Buttigieg, Harris reveals a decision shaped by staff and family input, favoring the Minnesota governor. Even with Doug leaning toward Shapiro, she made the final call alone, seasoning a pork roast while mulling over the weight of her choice.
In the end, Harris’s account in “107 Days” offers a sobering look at the mismatch between expectation and reality in a high-stakes campaign. Her frustration with Walz’s debate performance isn’t just about one night—it’s about the broader challenge of navigating a political landscape that spares no one.
While she avoids blaming Walz outright, her words carry a subtle critique of a progressive agenda that often seems unprepared for the rough-and-tumble of national scrutiny. The lesson here is clear: politics isn’t a friendly chat, and those who enter must be ready to stand firm against calculated opponents like Vance.
Harris’s reflections serve as a reminder that campaigns are won through grit, not just ideals, and that even well-intentioned choices can falter under pressure. As she moves forward, her book suggests a resolve to learn from these missteps, ensuring future battles are fought with sharper strategy and tougher skin.
