A newly released book unveils Vice President Kamala Harris's strategic maneuvers during the 2020 vice presidential selection process.

According to Fox News, Harris orchestrated a "dark-arts operation" to undermine other potential running mates vying for the position alongside Joe Biden, targeting prominent Democratic figures including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice.

The revelations come from "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House," published April 1 by William Morrow and Company. Political journalists Jonathan Allen of NBC News and Amie Parnes of The Hill conducted over 150 interviews with political insiders to compile their comprehensive account of the 2020 presidential race.

Harris campaign's strategic undermining efforts

The book details how Harris's advisers systematically worked to diminish the prospects of other candidates under consideration for the vice presidential nomination. Their targets included Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, and other prominent female Democrats.

One of Harris's advisers openly acknowledged their tactics, as quoted in the book:

We stabbed Karen Bass a little bit. We stabbed Susan Rice a little bit. We stabbed Stacey Abrams a little bit. We stabbed Gretchen Whitmer.

While the book doesn't elaborate on the specific methods used to undercut these opponents, the impact appears to have been successful in securing Harris's position on the ticket.

Surprising post-campaign alliances

Despite the reported undermining efforts, Harris managed to maintain or rebuild relationships with her former rivals. Bass, Whitmer, and Abrams all demonstrated support for Harris during the 2024 election campaign, appearing at various campaign events and offering endorsements.

Susan Rice notably defended Harris against criticism in July when Representative Ted Burchett, R-Tenn., described her as a "DEI hire." Rice publicly condemned the comment during a CNN interview, calling it "incredibly insulting."

The book also reveals former President Barack Obama's hesitation to support Harris in the 2024 election when questions arose about Biden's mental fitness. Obama's reservations extended to doubts about Biden's political capabilities as the campaign progressed.

California senator's path to vice presidency

Harris, who previously served as California's senator, has since signed with CAA Speakers, a prestigious agency representing high-profile celebrities. The move suggests her continued influence in political and public spheres despite the controversial revelations.

The book's findings illuminate the intense competition and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that characterized the 2020 vice presidential selection process.

While Harris's tactics may have been aggressive, they ultimately proved effective in securing her position as Biden's running mate.

Steps ahead in Harris's journey

The revelation of Harris's covert campaign against her vice presidential rivals in 2020 has added new context to her ascent to the vice presidency. Despite employing questionable tactics to secure her position alongside Biden, Harris managed to maintain working relationships with her former competitors, who later supported her political endeavors. These developments highlight the complex nature of political alliances and the strategic maneuvering required to secure high-level positions in American politics.