Kamala Harris was left utterly speechless and devastated by her election day loss to Donald Trump, feeling abandoned by prominent Democratic leaders Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, according to a new book detailing her unsuccessful presidential bid.
In the newly released book, “Fight: Inside The Wildest Battle For The White House,” co-authors Amie Parnes and Jonathan Allen offer a behind-the-scenes look at Harris’s tumultuous campaign, her shocking defeat, and her strained relationship with party heavyweights.
Harris’s Stunned Reaction to Defeat
During an interview on TMZ Live, Amie Parnes recounted the immediate aftermath of Harris’s loss, describing her as being in a state of disbelief at her Naval Observatory residence when the results were announced. Having entered the race with high hopes of uniting the Democratic Party, the realization of her defeat hit hard.
According to Parnes, Harris had been confident in her ability to secure a victory over Trump and J.D. Vance. However, when the election results rolled in, her hopes were dashed, leaving her stunned and searching for answers.
Similarly, Tim Walz, a fellow Democrat who campaigned alongside Harris, was blindsided by the loss. He reportedly received the news from his Washington D.C. hotel room, where he, too, had been anticipating a successful outcome.
Felt Abandoned by Party Icons Obama and Pelosi
Beyond her personal disappointment, Harris felt deeply let down by two of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party — Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi. Parnes explains that Harris had expected their full support and mobilization of the party after President Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her.
However, the book claims Obama and Pelosi doubted Harris’s ability to defeat Trump in a general election. Their lack of enthusiasm and perceived failure to rally the party left Harris feeling isolated and betrayed.
“She wanted Obama and Pelosi to do more,” Parnes said. “Kamala believed that their endorsement and support would be the key to unifying the party and energizing voters.”
Harris’s disappointment in Obama and Pelosi stems from her belief that their tepid backing undermined her candidacy at a critical moment. Instead of galvanizing the party, the book alleges, their reluctance contributed to a fragmented and weakened Democratic front.
The Book’s Insights for Future Elections
While the book offers a candid look at Harris’s failed campaign, Parnes emphasizes that it also serves as a cautionary tale and strategic guide for Democrats eyeing the 2026 and 2028 elections. The lessons learned from Harris’s run, especially her struggles with party unity and leadership support, are expected to shape how future candidates navigate the political landscape.
According to Parnes, Harris’s story highlights the importance of solidifying alliances within the party and addressing internal divisions before facing a formidable Republican opponent like Trump.
Harris’s Political Journey Continues
Despite the devastating defeat, Harris remains a significant figure in American politics. Her experience, coupled with the insights detailed in “Fight: Inside The Wildest Battle For The White House,” may well influence her strategic approach in the coming years.
As Democrats prepare for upcoming elections, Harris’s experiences could prove invaluable in understanding the pitfalls and pressures of a modern presidential campaign. Whether or not Harris decides to run again, her story continues to resonate within the party.
The book’s revelations about Obama and Pelosi’s perceived lack of support are likely to spark further debate about the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics and how leaders can better unite their base for future success.
