Kamala Harris Reflects on Gaza Conflict's Impact on Her 2024 Campaign

In her newly released memoir, *107 Days*, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris asserts that President Joe Biden's perceived lack of empathy toward Gazans significantly hindered her 2024 presidential campaign. Harris contends that Biden's "blank check" support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Gaza conflict, which escalated following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, contributed to his unpopularity and, consequently, her electoral defeat. She argues that Netanyahu's disregard for Biden's loyalty to Israel indicated a preference for a return of Donald Trump to the presidency, stating, “He wanted Trump in the seat opposite him. Not Joe, not me.”

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Harris notes that the protests against the war in Gaza influenced her decision-making regarding her running mate. She expressed concern over potential protests at the Democratic National Convention, which ultimately led her to select Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had faced criticism for his pro-Israel stance. Harris acknowledges that activists were disappointed by the absence of a Palestinian spokesperson at the convention, which further complicated her campaign dynamics.

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During her book tour, Harris faced interruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters who accused her of complicity in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At a recent event in New York City, she addressed the protesters, stating, “What’s happening to the Palestinian people is outrageous and it breaks my heart.” Despite the disruptions, Harris maintained her composure, urging the audience to “bring the temperature down” and emphasizing her understanding of the situation, while also clarifying her limitations as vice president.

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Harris's remarks in her book and during her tour have sparked discussions about the Democratic Party's stance on the Gaza conflict. She has criticized Trump for providing Netanyahu with unchecked support, asserting that this has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. In her speeches, she has highlighted her past advocacy for Palestinian rights, noting that she faced backlash from the Biden administration for her outspoken views.

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Critics have pointed out that Harris's alignment with Biden on foreign policy issues may have alienated progressive voters who prioritize humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Some activists have expressed frustration over her perceived inability to differentiate her stance from Biden's, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This sentiment was echoed by voters who cited the need to "end Israeli violence in Gaza" as a primary reason for not supporting her candidacy.

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Harris's reflections on her campaign and the Gaza conflict are likely to continue influencing her political trajectory. As she embarks on her book tour, her future plans remain uncertain, but her engagement with voters and activists suggests an ongoing commitment to addressing the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Times of Israel

• “ “I believe Israel was right to respond to the atrocities of October 7,” she writes, according to Axios.” — Kamala Harris

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• “What is happening to the Palestinian people is outrageous, and it breaks my heart.” — Kamala Harris

Hollywood Reporter

• “The threat to withhold their vote got to me. It felt reckless,” — Kamala Harris

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• “I was the first person at the highest level of our United States government or administration to talk about the fact that the people in Gaza were starving,” — Kamala Harris

Hollywood Reporter