Kamala Harris’s Next Chapter: What Lies Ahead After Her White House Exit

[Social Media]

 

As Kamala Harris prepares to leave the White House following her defeat to President-elect Donald Trump, questions abound regarding her next move. The outgoing vice president remains a central figure within the Democratic Party, with many speculating about her future in politics and beyond.

 

Polling suggests a significant portion of Democrats would like to see Harris make another run for the presidency in 2028, despite her recent loss. Others believe she might pursue alternative political opportunities, such as a bid for governor of California, or focus on non-electoral avenues to counter the Trump administration. Democratic strategist Kate Maeder highlighted Harris's enduring influence: “She still has a long career ahead of her. She’s young for politics in this country, and I think that folks are really excited to see what she does next, because she’s built such a powerful following around her, and I think that that will carry through after the election.”

 

The 2024 election was a devastating blow for Democrats. Trump not only secured victory in all the key swing states but also made significant gains in traditionally blue regions. With the Republican Party taking control of both chambers of Congress, they will dominate Washington’s political landscape next year.  

 

In her concession speech, Harris assured supporters that she remains committed to the ideals that propelled her political rise. “The fight that fueled” her campaign is far from over, she declared, promising to remain engaged in efforts to advance her vision for the nation. “She still has a fight in her,” Maeder reiterated. “Whether it’s around public policy or it’s fighting the good fight in the private sector, I think it’s left to be seen.”

 

Harris joins the ranks of a few vice presidents in modern history who sought the presidency but fell short. Joel Goldstein, an expert on the vice presidency at Saint Louis University, pointed out that their subsequent trajectories vary greatly. Richard Nixon famously lost the California governor’s race before staging a political comeback to win the presidency in 1968. Hubert Humphrey returned to the Senate, while Al Gore left politics to focus on environmental activism, ultimately earning the Nobel Peace Prize.  

 

If Harris chooses to run again in 2028, she would begin as a leading contender, according to Jim Kessler of the Third Way think tank. “I don’t think a prohibitive favorite, but definitely someone who would start out on top, would be able to raise money, is known by voters, and who acquitted herself very well in her short campaign against Trump,” he said.

 

However, the Democratic field for 2028 is already shaping up to be competitive, with figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg likely to vie for the nomination.

 

Democratic strategist Fred Hicks cautioned that such a crowded field could pose a challenge for Harris. “I think she would struggle to win a primary in 2028... when you have so many of the people sitting out there who are going to run, likely to run,” he said. Nevertheless, Hicks argued that Harris could still play a crucial role in shaping the Democratic resistance, adding, “She can and should become the face of the Democratic resistance.”

 

Attorney and strategist Abou Amara suggested that Harris’s next steps might include another run for office, a gubernatorial bid, or a move into advocacy. Whatever she chooses, Amara emphasized the importance of preserving her options. “Another part of this question is: What does she want her capstone to be on her political career?” he asked.  

 

As the dust settles on the 2024 election, Harris is also expected to reflect on her campaign and contribute to the Democratic Party’s introspection. Echoing Hillary Clinton’s post-2016 memoir *What Happened*, Harris may choose to write or speak publicly about her experiences and perspectives. “I think that will absolutely be part of the next eight to 12 months, to decompress what happened,” Amara predicted. “I expect her, whether it be through speeches or writing a book, to really lay out her understanding of what happened. Because Democrats are going to squabble back and forth with different theories … but I think it would be important to hear directly from her.”

 

Though her next move remains uncertain, Kamala Harris’s political journey is far from over. Whether through public service, advocacy, or another presidential run, she is poised to remain a formidable presence in American politics.

 

Based on a report by The Hill 2024-11-26

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

One and done.

[Cryingdick]

The face of the resistance? lol She can lead the "highland" moms i guess. They need some Mommala.

[thesetat2013]

The Op actually tries to make you think Harris really did good in the elections and has a chance to run and win in the next elections. But look at it from the outside. She was the only choice given for Democrats. She did horribly in her hate rhetoric and her always adjustable opinions and her fake accents as well as showing the world her inability to actually be a politician. If they had Mickey Mouse as a 2nd option for Democrats to choose then he would have won. 

Harris does not belong in the White House. Never did. She was used since day one as a vote uptick by the Dems to help Biden win his elections. 

As VP she has no accomplishments. As a contender to run for the Prez she failed miserably, so much that even a convicted sex criminal (as the Dems call it) won the majority of votes. She will never win a primary if there is someone else vying for the same that speaks better and knows even a little about politics and has shown they can stand by certain policies they believe in. 

She needs to go back to being a lawyer where she can follow rules and laws and make plea agreements to ensure victories in the courtroom. She needs to get out of politics. 

[alex8912]

Maybe mayor of San Francisco. She already knows the ins and outs and ins and outs of that job by Willie.

[wombat]

The Queen if word salad has no chance at a future presidential run.

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

She could start getting some credibility back by divorcing her dirtbag husband.

[Luuk Chaai]

she should relocate to India and get back to her roots.. and hopefully get a meaningful job cleaning sewers

[spidermike007]

Hopefully she will disappear into irrelevance. She was an awful candidate. Choosing her for 2028 would be another disaster and she does not have the acumen to be governor of California, a state in dramatic decline. 

 

As a Centrist dem, I don't take her seriously, and have never liked her.