As the 2024 election spiraled into crisis for Democrats, Kamala Harris stepped into the spotlight. A new political book reveals her fierce message to governors. She didn’t hold back when Democratic leaders hesitated to support Joe Biden. Instead, she made it clear: saving our democracy was more important than political discomfort.
At a White House meeting on July 3, Harris confronted several Democratic governors. Many of them had serious concerns about Biden’s mental fitness. The worry grew louder after his disastrous debate performance in June 2024.
During that debate, Biden appeared confused and unfocused. His answers drifted and sometimes made little sense. Donald Trump seized the moment, mocking Biden with biting remarks. “I don’t think he even knows what he said,” Trump jabbed during the event.
That single debate marked a turning point. Biden’s aides had pushed for an early debate. They believed it would showcase Biden’s strength before summer distractions. A leaked campaign memo insisted that earlier was better. It suggested Biden would appear strong next to Trump’s chaos.
Instead, the gamble backfired. Concerns exploded within the party. Public calls for Biden to step down began to build. On July 10, actor George Clooney added his voice. In a high-profile op-ed, he urged Biden to drop out of the race.
Behind closed doors, Democratic governors scrambled. Many feared Biden couldn’t win. Still, Harris urged them to stay the course. “This is about saving our democracy,” she told them, according to a new book by political reporters.
After that tense meeting, only a few governors backed Biden publicly. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Minnesota’s Tim Walz spoke to the press outside the White House. Others, like California’s Gavin Newsom and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, stayed silent.
Hochul claimed all governors pledged support for Biden. However, the book reveals that was not true. Many were furious she said so. Behind the scenes, skepticism and frustration continued to grow.
Eventually, Biden bowed to pressure. He exited the race on July 21, 2024. Harris replaced him but faced an uphill battle. Her brief campaign lasted only three months. In the end, it failed to win the White House.
Still, Harris’ rallying cry saving our democracy became the phrase that defined that political storm.
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