Kamala Harris' commentary on Democrats jump-starts the 2028 presidential contest

Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ return to the public eye has kicked off a new phase of the nascent 2028 presidential race

Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ return to the public eye has kicked off a new phase of the nascent 2028 presidential race.

In excerpts published ahead of the release of her new book, Harris outlined her internal thinking (and a few mea culpas) around key decisions and developments that vexed her 2024 presidential campaign. She also offered some blunt thoughts about a handful of other prominent Democrats, including up-and-comers who she considered to be her running mate, like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Now, Harris’ book has opened up the first big moment of confrontation between potential 2028 rivals. Democrats are eager to skip ahead to their turn to attempt a political comeback in Washington after Harris' loss last year, even if it's still far from clear who wants to seek the nomination.

While potential candidates are traveling to different key states and building their profiles, Harris' memoir has them engaging with her — and sometimes criticizing her judgment — particularly early in a presidential campaign that could eventually see them squaring up against each other.

Harris' first excerpt, released in The Atlantic earlier this month, centers on then-President Joe Biden's decision to step aside amid the groundswell of pressure after his June debate performance — a topic that has sparked repeated recriminations among Democrats in the wake of November's disappointing showing at the ballot box.