Harris calls Buttigieg too risky for running mate choice
- Kamala Harris wanted to choose Pete Buttigieg as her running mate during her presidential campaign.
- She considered his selection too risky due to societal perceptions surrounding multiple identities.
- Ultimately, she chose another candidate, reflecting on the implications of her decision.
On September 18, 2025, former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed her thoughts on choosing Pete Buttigieg as her running mate during her presidential campaign. In her forthcoming book titled '107 Days', she expressed a desire to name Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary, but ultimately deemed the decision too risky. She reflected on her unique position as the first Black woman to run for the highest office in the United States, highlighting societal challenges surrounding her candidacy. Harris pointed out that America was already facing the idea of accepting a woman, a Black woman, married to a Jewish man, and adding a gay man like Buttigieg might have been asking too much. Although she saw him as an ideal partner, she felt that the risk of backlash was significant. Additionally, she described her decision to select Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate as one that likely brought mutual sadness for both her and Buttigieg. Harris emphasized that thinking about the electorate's readiness influenced her choice. In her reflection, Harris praised Buttigieg, stating that he was a sincere public servant who possessed a rare talent for framing liberal arguments in a way that could resonate with conservative audiences. She described the well-regarded relationship she shared with Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, noting that they were friends and she enjoyed working alongside him. Her insight into these intersecting identities and the political landscape creates an understanding of the intricate dynamics during her campaign. Harris and Buttigieg are both seen as potential contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, although neither has officially announced their intention to run. This context reminds us of the ongoing evolution of politics concerning race, sexuality, and gender in the United States, as topics of representation and acceptance continue to challenge and shape the political sphere. The candid reflections found in her book underscore the complexities of decision-making in modern politics, particularly for candidates breaking new ground in representation.