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Discussion on Political Matters
A supporter of Kamala Harris claims that Joe Biden did not keep his word.
A conversation with Senator Laphonza Butler, a member of the Democratic Party from California, in the last week of her term in the Senate.
Written by Lisa Lerer
Laphonza Butler has only been a senator from California for approximately 15 months, but she has been a strong supporter and friend of Vice President Kamala Harris for 15 years.
This week, I had a conversation with Butler, who has been in a long-standing partnership with Harris. They first crossed paths when Butler was working as a union leader in Los Angeles. Through their partnership, Butler has gained a unique insight into why their party lost the presidential election and what steps could be taken to rebuild it.
Harris has not shared many public statements about the reasons for her loss. According to Butler, some of the responsibility lies with President Biden, who she believes went back on a clear campaign promise by seeking re-election. However, simply pointing fingers at Biden is not sufficient. Democrats need to shift their focus from talking to listening and truly hearing the concerns of the people.
Governor Gavin Newsom chose Butler to take over the U.S. Senate position left vacant by the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein in September 2023. As Feinstein opted not to seek re-election, this week marks her final days in office. On Monday, Representative Adam Schiff will be officially sworn in as California’s latest senator.
The interview was shortened and clarified for easier understanding.
LL: What do you believe was the reason for Harris’ loss
Many Americans desired a shift in leadership and sought a candidate they believed could bring about change. It seems that this desire for change played a significant role in their decision-making.
Was it a mistake for Biden to run in
When President Biden first took office, he indicated that he would be a transitional leader. This was the expectation that people had. Therefore, it may have been better for him to stick to that role. Despite the success of his presidency, it will likely be remembered as one of the most impactful in my lifetime. However, once you set certain expectations with the public, it is important to follow through on them.
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