Since the November presidential election, the Democrats' list of reasons for why they were trounced has become longer than Hillary Clinton's 2016 blame list, which included Russian bot farms. They have blamed their messengers plenty of times, and while there is a lot of blame to go around there, what they can't seem to figure out is that it's their message that sucks. They also have no defined leader and no bench. It's a toss-up as to whether the aforementioned Mrs. Clinton has gotten the hint that Democrats want her to go away, but someone else may also not be getting that hint either.
I'm hearing of a frantic attempt by Democrats to keep Kamala Harris out of the Governor's race.
— Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) July 28, 2025
They fear she could open the door for Republicans given (a) Kamala's high negatives, (b) Newsom's unpopularity, (c) Record-low ratings for Democrats, (d) the CA GOP's recent gains.
On Monday, on his "The Morning Meeting" podcast, political analyst Mark Halperin made a rather interesting prediction regarding former Vice President Kamala Harris' political career. He stated to co-hosts, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and former Democrat strategist Dan Turrentine, that:
“I think she might get in, but I don’t think she’ll stay in if she gets in. I don’t think she’ll end up being a candidate for governor of California. And I think she’ll find it’s so hard raising money to run for president that she’s done with politics would be my guess.”
Since leaving office in January, there has been much speculation as to whether Harris might seek the Democratic nomination for governor of California in 2026 or make another run for president in 2028. In March, Harris had said she would make a decision about the governor's race by the end of the summer. Halperin then went to both Spicer and Turrentine for their thoughts.
Turrentine speculated that if Harris has any "hesitation" about making a firm decision about the governor's race, it stems from a bigger desire to run for president and that she “doesn’t want to be governor of California.” He added, “It’s not a great job for her." However, Turrentine also stated:
"I can't believe this, but somebody I know, who knows Kamala Harris, said they're, she's thinking of running for President more, and I find that stunning. But, you know, everyone, if you want, go for it."
The donors are telling Kamala Harris that she has zero support for another presidential run. That's why she's "considering" running for California governor.
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) March 28, 2025
How offensive to every Californian! Our state is not some consolation prize for a failed and rejected Washington… pic.twitter.com/NR82s0ia4X
How offensive to every Californian! Our state is not some consolation prize for a failed and rejected Washington politician!
Turrentine's reaction as he related the conversation may be the reaction of many Californians, and even more Democrats at that news, as he shook his head in disbelief. Spicer said, "I do think her indecision, her lack of planning, etc., just underscores how bad of a candidate she is." Spicer added that regardless of her decision to run for either office, now would be the time that she should be "getting a team together, contacting donors..."
ALSO READ: Willie Brown Throws Cold Water on Kamala Harris’ Chances of Becoming CA Governor
Harris' presidential campaign track record could be what is causing her to lean more toward the governor's race. But how well would she do? Earlier this month, Harris was the frontrunner for the nomination with 24 percent. However, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who may also have gubernatorial aspirations, has accused her of participating in the cover-up of Joe Biden's mental decline. She would also have to convince voters that, should she become governor, it would not be just a stepping stone to somewhere else.
Dan Turrentine said of Kamala Harris that being governor "is not a good job for her." What did he mean by that? That she would basically be Gavin Newsom 2.0? That she would do nothing to get rid of crime and homelessness, to prevent businesses from fleeing the state, and that she would be of no use to fire victims still struggling to rebuild? What Turrentine didn't say is way more telling than what he did say.
Halperin may well be right. Kamala Harris may be on her way to a gig as the head of a university, or, in the richest of ironies, a left-wing think tank. Could it be that California and America are finally ready to be unburdened by Kamala Harris?
Rumor has it, Kamala Harris wants to run for President in 2028 again.
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) March 6, 2025
I hope it happens. pic.twitter.com/wFB6hOOS6r
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