Kamala Harris, reflecting on her time as Vice President, recently asserted her place in history with a striking declaration: a marble bust will one day stand in her likeness within the halls of Congress. This statement, made during an interview discussing her forthcoming book, signals a shift in her perspective, a release from the pressure of actively *seeking* historical recognition.
Harris described a newfound freedom, stating she no longer feels “burdened” by the need to prove her historical significance. She confidently framed herself alongside every Vice President who has come before, inherently deserving of the honor traditionally bestowed upon those who have held the office – a sculpted portrait immortalized in marble.
The tradition itself dates back to the late 19th century, a longstanding practice of commemorating Vice Presidents with commissioned busts displayed in Congress. Harris’s anticipation of this honor comes as she embarks on a book tour drawing significant crowds, with events consistently selling out across the country.
However, the release of her book, “107 Days,” appears to be more than a simple recounting of her experiences. It’s become a platform for settling perceived grievances with figures within the Democratic Party, including pointed criticisms leveled at both Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and former President Joe Biden.
The book alleges Shapiro extensively questioned her staff, even inquiring about borrowing artwork from the Smithsonian for potential display. Harris claims she had to remind him of the distinct roles of Vice President and President, asserting a Vice President is not a “co-president.”
Shapiro vehemently disputed these claims, labeling them “complete and utter bull----” and “blatant lies” in a separate interview. He acknowledged asking questions, framing them as standard due diligence when exploring potential partnerships, and accused Harris of prioritizing book sales.
His initial, more colorful, assessment was quickly retracted as inappropriate, but the core message remained: Harris, in his view, is strategically crafting a narrative to boost her book’s success. The tension between the two figures is palpable, revealing a fractured relationship beneath the surface of political camaraderie.
Beyond the dispute with Shapiro, the book also reportedly details frustrations with the Biden White House, alleging a pattern of sidelining her and failing to adequately defend her against criticism. Harris contends that securing positive coverage of her work, or even a simple rebuttal to inaccurate attacks, proved nearly impossible.
Furthermore, she suggests the White House was content to allow her to bear the brunt of the blame surrounding the challenges at the southern border, a particularly sensitive and politically charged issue. The book paints a picture of a Vice President feeling unsupported and strategically positioned to absorb negative attention.
