Kamala Harris Worried It Would Be ‘Self-Serving’ To Tell Joe Biden Not To Run for Reelection

Kamala Harris gave her first major television interview since her loss in the 2024 presidential election, sitting down with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Monday, Sept. 22.

During the conversation, the 60-year-old former vice president discussed some of the most revealing moments from her new memoir, 107 Days, which chronicles her campaign experience.

One striking section of the book recalls how many within Joe Biden ’s administration believed that the decision on whether he would run for reelection rested largely with him and then-first lady Jill Biden.

“We all said that, like a mantra, as if we’d all been hypnotized,” Harris writes. “Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness.”

Reflecting on that moment, Harris told Maddow, “I have and had a certain responsibility that I should’ve followed through on. When I talk about the recklessness, as much as anything, I’m talking about myself. There was so much at stake. And as I write, you know, where my head was at, at the time, it would come off as completely self-serving.”

Maddow pressed her to clarify whether she thought it would have been seen as “self-serving” to tell Biden she didn’t think he should run again.

“Yeah,” Harris agreed. “Or even if he should question whether it’s a good idea.”

Her forthcoming memoir, due for release on Tuesday, Sept. 23, has already generated buzz with behind-the-scenes insights from the 2024 election.

“Since leaving office, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on those days and with candor and reflection, I’ve written a behind-the-scenes account of that journey,” Harris said in a July 31 video announcing the book. “I believe there’s value in sharing what I saw, what I learned and what it will take to move forward.”

Harris is also preparing for a 15-city book tour, which will include two international stops in Ontario and London. Each event will feature personal stories from her campaign as well as a conversation on “how we collectively chart a blueprint that sets an alternative vision for our country now,” according to a press release.

Not long after her tour announcement, President Donald Trump reportedly sent a letter dated Aug. 28 informing Harris that her Secret Service protection would end on Sept. 1. A senior adviser confirmed the news, adding that Harris is “grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.”

PEOPLE previously reported that Harris’ book includes new details about her interactions with Trump. While he often attacked her publicly, she writes that his demeanor shifted dramatically in private.

She recalls one moment in September 2024, after a man was arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course. While Trump publicly blamed Harris’ campaign rhetoric for fueling hostility, she said his tone changed once she called him personally.

According to Harris, Trump praised her during that call. “You’ve done a great job, you really have,” he allegedly said. “My only problem is it makes it very hard for me to be angry with you. It’s like, what am I going to do? How do I say bad things about you now?”

Harris says she laughed and told him, “Well, then don’t!” To which he replied, “I’m going to tone it down. I will. You’re going to see.”

107 Days will be released Sept. 23 and is available for preorder wherever books are sold.