"So multiple sources of big money are a must, as are major allies. Not only do these allies go on the road as surrogates at times, but they recruit other supporters, some of whom provide the first essential, big money. For a candidate to alienate the most powerful individuals in their political party even before a race gets going seriously is an unheard-of no-no."
"That's what former Vice President Kamala Harris may have done, though, in her campaign memoir, 107 Days, published during a season when many candidates usually issue bland autobiographical tomes that purport to carry important messages aimed to draw millions of voters. Most don't attract many voters and contain few important messages. However, the new Harris book is different. It's almost like a deliberate effort to alienate potential supporters and snub her nose at the money they could raise."
"Take her complaint about Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, whom she briefly considered as her vice presidential running mate in 2024: He was initially reluctant or noncommittal when she asked for his endorsement just after former President Joe Biden gave up the Democratic nomination for his office and handed it off to Harris. Did Pritzker want a day or two to determine whether the party would accept Biden's edict and quickly anoint Harris as the candidate? Did he want to be offered an incentive?"
Serious campaigns require substantial fundraising and major allies who provide money, endorsements, and surrogate support. Alienating powerful party figures before a race begins undermines fundraising and recruitment. Kamala Harris publicly criticized the pace and responses of potential backers, including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker after he was noncommittal about an endorsement following Joe Biden's handoff of the Democratic nomination. Harris framed Pritzker's caution as unsatisfactory, potentially jeopardizing his future support. Harris also addressed her relationship with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a longtime associate and fellow endorsee, creating further tensions with key party figures.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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