Kamala Harris’s upcoming memoir 107 Days has ignited sharp responses from fellow Democrats following pointed criticisms of President Joe Biden’s approach during the 2024 campaign. In excerpts released ahead of its September twenty-third launch, Harris describes the decision by the Biden White House to run for a second term—despite concerns over age and public readiness—as “reckless.” She writes that allowing the choice to be made by Biden and his wife felt like a mantra repeated by the campaign: “It’s Joe and Jill’s decision.”

Harris also reveals frustration with sudden endorsements from influential party leaders. She recounts that California Governor Gavin Newsom missed a phone call from her seeking his early support after Biden’s withdrawal, which she believes hurt her momentum. Governors Gretchen Whitmer and J.B. Pritzker, she says, hesitated before committing to her candidacy.

The memoir also details Harris’s internal deliberations over choosing a running mate, naming Pete Buttigieg as her first choice. She deemed him “ideal” but too politically risky, citing what she says would be perceived as difficult optics if the ticket included both a Black woman and an openly gay man. She instead selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Notable among the reactions, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg both responded publicly. Shapiro rejected Harris’s framing of him as overly ambitious, while Buttigieg expressed surprise at Harris’s suggestion that voters would reject him because of his identity. Supporters of Harris argue the memoir reflects her candid assessment of a party at a crossroads.

Harris defends her critique of the administration carefully. While describing Biden as capable and exercising judgment, she writes that his age showed in “physical and verbal stumbles” and laments that the White House frequently failed to defend her from unfair stories and negative scrutiny. Aides have disputed some of her characterisations, with one unnamed official telling media that Harris was “simply not good at the job,” arguing she lacked influence over the major decisions her memoir attributes to the White House.

The debates stirred by 107 Days underscore tensions within the Democratic Party over leadership, loyalty, and strategy ahead of the 2028 election. Harris has not ruled out further public service, though she has confirmed she will not run for governor of California next year.