Kathmandu: Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has sharply criticized the decision to leave then-President Joe Biden free to choose whether to seek re-election in 2024, calling it a “weakness” and an “unfortunate decision.” Her remarks come in her new memoir, One Hundred and Seven Days, with excerpts published Wednesday in The Atlantic.

Criticism of 2024 Decision-Making

“When the question of whether Biden, 81, would run for re-election arose, it was reckless to leave the decision to him and First Lady Jill Biden,” Harris wrote. She argued that such a major decision should have gone beyond “one person’s ego,” stressing, “The challenge was too high. It had to be more than a personal decision.”

Biden had nominated Harris as the Democratic Party’s candidate after his poor July 2024 debate performance, but she ultimately lost the election to Republican nominee and current President Donald Trump.

Praise for Biden but Concern Over Fatigue

While criticizing the decision-making process, Harris defended Biden’s mental acuity and praised his work ethic. She said Biden’s debate defeat was not due to incompetence but exhaustion following “two consecutive trips to Europe” and a “Hollywood fundraiser” on the West Coast.

“Even on his worst day, he had a deep sense of humor,” Harris wrote, adding that Biden “presented himself with a much more gracious face than Donald Trump.”

Tensions with Biden’s Aides

In her memoir, Harris also accused Biden’s close aides of fueling negative narratives about her during her vice presidency. She claimed that when she publicly called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza, her remarks went viral but sparked outrage within the West Wing.

“I was criticized for being well-supplied,” Harris recalled, pointing to what she describes as internal friction despite her loyalty to the administration.

About the Book

Harris’ book, One Hundred and Seven Days, is scheduled for release on September 23 by Simon & Schuster. The title refers to the short length of her presidential campaign following Biden’s withdrawal from the race.