Story perspectives

Kamala Harris: Buttigieg Ideal, But Too Risky for 2024

9/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

In her memoir "107 Days," Kamala Harris reveals that Pete Buttigieg was her preferred choice for running mate in 2024 but considered it a "too big of a risk" due to his sexual orientation and her identity as a Black woman.
She expressed that Buttigieg would have been ideal if she were a "straight white man."
Harris ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a safer option.
She criticized President Biden's reelection bid as reckless.
The memoir discusses representation challenges and ongoing diversity debates within the Democratic Party.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eradicate racial discrimination in voting, significantly empowering marginalized groups. Kamala Harris's memoir reflects on the ongoing struggle for representation within the Democratic Party, particularly her choice of Tim Walz as a running mate in 2024, highlighting how candidates' identities continue to shape electoral strategies and the challenges of diversity in American politics.

1 of 2

Story summary

In her memoir "107 Days," Kamala Harris reveals that Pete Buttigieg was her preferred choice for running mate in 2024 but considered it a "too big of a risk" due to his sexual orientation and her identity as a Black woman.
She expressed that Buttigieg would have been ideal if she were a "straight white man."
Harris ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a safer option.
She criticized President Biden's reelection bid as reckless.
The memoir discusses representation challenges and ongoing diversity debates within the Democratic Party.

1 / 2