Kamala Harris is once again sparking political intrigue as she begins to sound like a presidential contender, raising eyebrows and concerns among former campaign aides and donors who are still reeling from her defeat in the 2024 election.
According to a poll conducted by Daily Mail and JL Partners in April, Harris is supported by 24% of Democratic primary voters, placing her ahead of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who garners 19% support. Meanwhile, former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg is trailing in third place with 12%.
After her loss to President Donald Trump, which saw her defeated in every swing state and lose the popular vote, a considerable number of Democrats and loyalists from the Obama and Biden era distanced themselves from Harris.
While some previously dismissed the idea of her making a political comeback, there is a growing apprehension that she might actually pursue it. This possibility is causing unease among those who were once in her corner.
“Harris running for president again would be a ‘terrible idea,'” remarked a former aide to the Daily Mail, expressing a sentiment shared by others who are skeptical of her political acumen.
The concern among some supporters is that despite having witnessed what they believe was Harris at her peak in 2024, her political skills might not be sufficient to secure a different outcome in the future.
The political climate has also changed, other wired Democratic strategists told the Daily Mail, requiring a fearless and nimble campaign messenger like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani or Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.
‘You’ve got to be a sort of political athlete to succeed in today’s information environment. I think she struggled with that model and would continue to struggle in that model,’ a second Harris aide told the Daily Mail.
One Democratic political strategist conceded that low expectations for Harris were her ‘secret weapon’ that could keep her presidential dreams alive.
Kamala Harris continues ramping up her political activity even now that her domestic book tour has been completed
The former vice president attends the Public Counsel Awards Dinner in California
Harris has the reputation of living in a political bubble surrounded by just her closest advisers and staff. That could give her dreams of a comeback real momentum.
She also continues to score well in other public polls.
A recent poll of Democrats showed she is highly competitive against California Governor Newsom, widely seen as a top contender for president in 2028.
Democratic support for Harris as their next presidential nominee topped 50 percent, in a survey from the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and the Harris Poll. Newsom sits in second place with just 22 percent.
That polling result surprised some Democratic strategists, even as most power brokers in the party are not taking the idea seriously.
Newsom would prefer not to run against Harris, sources tell the Daily Mail, as he has tried to avoid a direct political confrontation with her in California. Newsom, however, would not step aside this time, as he ramps up his own presidential campaign.
One Democrat noted to the Daily Mail that although Harris’ political messaging has picked up, she has not worked to build up her staff, signaling that she is not serious at this point.
Others were skeptical that Harris could secure enough donor support.
Billionaire Harris donor Mark Cuban made headlines for publicly confirming he did not want to see her run again.
Billionaire Mark Cuban recently told an audience in Washington, DC that he has moved on from Harris
California Governor Gavin Newsom does not plan to defer to Harris this time, Democratic strategists say
‘Those days are gone,’ he said flatly at a recent event in Washington, DC.
Many other Democratic donors feel the same way, Democratic strategists tell the Daily Mail.
‘There’s a general expectation, particularly among donors, and the conventional party people who would like to see a fresh face,’ a former Harris aide said.
A spokesman for Harris did not respond to a request for comment.
At the same time, Democrats concede, she is the only proposed candidate who actually knows what it’s like to run for president.
‘The best way to prepare to run for president is to already have run for president before,’ a former Harris aide conceded.
The former VP is still basking in the spotlight even after concluding her 33-city book tour just last week.
When President Donald Trump took the stage at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Harris was appearing at another ballroom more than 1,000 miles away.
‘I feel like I’m in a welterweight fight,’ she said, laughing on stage.
Harris pointed out that as she was speaking, the media elites were ‘raising a glass to Donald Trump’ and said she was right where she wanted to be, the Fisher Shackelford Dinner in Little Rock, Arkansas.
‘Trust me, Arkansas, you throw a much better party,’ she stated.
Harris has changed her script after losing to President Trump in 2024, taking a darker view about the current state of affairs.
The American dream now feels like the ‘American myth,’ she lamented. The political system was ‘rigged,’ the ‘entrenched elite’ were enjoying record profits, and the president was mired in a ‘war of choice’ in the Middle East.
‘I’m here for some real talk, clearly,’ she chuckled dryly.
Harris visits a restaurant prior to the South Carolina party fundraiser
Harris relies on a tight-knit circle for political advice, prompting Democrats to worry she is living in a bubble
But not everyone is receiving her with wild enthusiasm.
Video footage of a saxophone player falling into a deep sleep on stage as Harris spoke went viral on Friday, as she urged the audience to be ‘ruthless’ in their fight against Trump.
Harris, who lost every swing state to the President, is clearly not letting go of her presidential ambitions.
She remains coy about her plans for another presidential race, last telling her fans on April 10 she is ‘thinking’ about it, while she appeared with activist Al Sharpton in New York City.
Democratic power brokers are watching in amazement as they watch her speaking like a presidential candidate.
‘I think it’s time for a revival of the American dream,’ she repeated in Arkansas, promising a ‘bold agenda’ to help the working class.
Ultimately, Democrats know that no one can stop Harris from pursuing her ambition. The former vice president frequently speaks to young people about struggling with people trying to stop her from pursuing elected office.
‘You never have to ask anyone permission to lead… I eat no for breakfast,’ she famously said on the campaign trail. ‘So I would recommend the same. It’s a hearty breakfast.’
