Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed in her upcoming book, 107 Days, that she passed on Pete Buttigieg as a potential running mate in the 2020 presidential election, citing it would have been “too big a risk” for a Black woman to run alongside a gay man. Harris noted that while Buttigieg would have been “an ideal partner—if I were a straight white man,” the combination of her identity as a Black woman married to a Jewish man made the risk of public backlash significant. She emphasized that the decision was difficult and mutually understood, expressing affection and respect for Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten.
Buttigieg, now Biden’s Secretary of Transportation, expressed surprise at being considered a risky choice, saying voter trust, in his experience, tends to hinge on what candidates deliver rather than identity categories. Harris highlighted that Buttigieg’s top-tier candidacy stemmed from his ability to communicate liberal arguments in ways that could resonate with conservatives.
The two first connected during the 2020 Democratic primaries, where Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, quickly emerged as a breakout star. Known for his Rhodes Scholar credentials, naval intelligence background, and media-savvy campaign, Buttigieg impressed party leaders with his performance in early contests like the Iowa caucuses. Joe Biden, impressed by Buttigieg’s talent and likening him to his late son Beau, later appointed him Secretary of Transportation, cementing his role in national politics.
Harris’ candid admission comes at a time when both leaders are seen as potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders. Analysts note Buttigieg has positioned himself as one of the party’s most effective communicators, offering a clear message at a moment when Democrats are grappling with post-election recalibration and leadership choices.
This revelation sheds light on the intricate calculations behind vice-presidential picks and underscores the evolving dynamics of identity, strategy, and political optics in high-stakes campaigns.
