Kamala Harris’ Potential Gubernatorial Bid and Controversial Succession Strategy
Gubernatorial Aspirations
Reports indicate that Kamala Harris is contemplating a run for governor of California, with insiders suggesting she has set a deadline for her decision. As the former U.S. Vice President and a well-known figure in California politics, Harris’s potential candidacy could reshape the state’s political landscape.
Contingency Plans for Presidential Succession
In a more controversial turn, recent revelations from the book Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes highlight an unusual contingency plan developed by Harris’ communications team. According to the authors, Jamal Simmons, her White House communications director, devised a so-called “death-pool roster” of federal judges appointed by Republicans. This strategy was meant to ensure Harris could swiftly assume the presidency in the unfortunate event of President Joe Biden’s sudden death.
Historical Context and Concerns
The concept behind Simmons’ strategy draws parallels to the rapid swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson aboard Air Force One following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. However, the book illustrates Simmons’ concern about the legitimacy of Harris’s presidency. He feared significant backlash, particularly from Republican circles, should she have to ascend to the role under such circumstances.
Strengthening Legitimacy
To enhance Harris’s legitimacy in a potential succession scenario, Simmons created a detailed spreadsheet identifying various Republican-appointed judges who could oversee her swearing-in. He believed that having a federal judge appointed outside of the Trump era would lend institutional credibility to her presidency.
Reflections and Implications
Although Simmons reportedly did not share the details of this plan with Harris before leaving her team in January 2023, he emphasized the urgency of being prepared should an extraordinary situation arise. This revealing anecdote opened up discussions about the inner dynamics of the Biden-Harris administration and its strategies for addressing internal challenges.
Broader Perspectives from the Book
Beyond the succession strategy, Fight delves into the hesitance of former President Barack Obama to endorse Harris in the upcoming 2024 election. Concerns regarding Biden’s fitness for office and a belief that Harris may struggle in a potential matchup against Donald Trump were reportedly sources of friction. Such reflections underscore the complex interplay of ambition and strategy within the Democratic Party as it navigates the uncertain political landscape ahead.
