Harris’s Memoir 107 Days and the Surprising Admission
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has disclosed in her new memoir that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was not her preferred choice for running mate during the 2024 election. Instead, she initially hoped to pick then–Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, according to excerpts from her book 107 Days, which reflects the limited time she had as the Democratic nominee.
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Why Pete Buttigieg Was Harris’s First Choice
In an excerpt published Tuesday by The Atlantic, Harris openly admitted that she viewed Buttigieg as the strongest option. However, she also wrote that his selection carried significant risks in the political climate of 2024. Harris explained, “He would have been an ideal partner — if I were a straight white man.”
The Challenge of Identity Politics
Moreover, Harris reflected on the barriers already present in her candidacy. She noted, “We were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man.” As a result, she believed that adding Buttigieg — the first openly gay Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate — could have made the ticket even more vulnerable.
Although she admitted part of her wanted to take the chance, Harris emphasized the stakes. “Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, let’s just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk,” she wrote. She then added, “And I think Pete also knew that — to our mutual sadness.”
Walz as the Final Pick and the Outcome of the Election
Nevertheless, Harris ultimately chose Walz, a decision that shaped the Democratic ticket heading into the general election. In the end, Donald Trump defeated Harris and Walz in November. Meanwhile, The Atlantic’s Jonathan Lemire noted that Harris does not specify in her memoir whether Walz ever knew he was not her first choice.
Who Else Was on the Shortlist?
In fact, Buttigieg sat at the very top of an eight-person shortlist. Although the book does not reveal the other seven names, political insiders before the election speculated that California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore were under consideration.
Harris’s Praise for Pete Buttigieg
Furthermore, Harris’s description of Buttigieg demonstrates clear admiration. She called him “a sincere public servant with the rare talent of being able to frame liberal arguments in a way that makes it possible for conservatives to hear them.” She concluded, “I love Pete. I love working with Pete.”
The Broader Political Significance
Therefore, Harris’s candid reflection adds another layer to the story of a historic but ultimately unsuccessful campaign. It also underscores how identity politics, public perception, and risk calculations influenced one of the most critical decisions of her career.
