Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently lost her presidential bid to Donald Trump, might be on the cusp of a significant achievement in a different arena. According to the Washington Examiner, Harris is reportedly set to receive a substantial book deal once she leaves office. The potential size of the advance could depend on the subject she chooses to explore and the level of transparency she provides.
NBC News has reported that multiple sources close to Harris have confirmed her inclination towards publishing another book after her term concludes, possibly setting the stage for future political endeavors, such as a gubernatorial run in California in 2026 or another presidential campaign in 2028.
Keith Urbahn, president and co-founder of Javelin, a literary agency, informed the outlet that Kamala Harris is likely to secure the most lucrative book deal of any vice president in history. He emphasized that the real question is not the advance itself but whether the book can redefine her image for the 2028 elections. Urbahn suggested that this represents an opportunity for Harris to get personal about her campaign’s shortcomings and the Democratic Party’s challenges, potentially broadening her support base through an honest account of events.
Urbahn highlighted that there are two potential approaches to the book. One could be filled with platitudes, which would be safe, while the other could reinvent her, positioning her as a leader ready to rebuild the Democratic Party. While both options would provide financial benefits, only the latter might offer her a second chance at the presidency.
Speculation about Harris’s potential book deal is not new. The Daily Mail reported in mid-December that there was considerable buzz about Harris possibly receiving an advance of up to $20 million for a book, contingent on her willingness to provide an honest and revealing account of her time in the White House with President Joe Biden and her brief presidential campaign.
An anonymous source shared with the outlet that as soon as Harris lost to Trump, offers from the publishing world began pouring in, eager for her to document what really transpired between her and Biden in the Oval Office, including the highs and lows of her campaign. The source noted that advance figures being discussed are in the $20 million range, potentially higher with additional publishing rights.
Additionally, an unnamed White House operative mentioned to the Daily Mail that Harris is being discreetly advised to release her memoir before any potential book by Joe Biden. This strategy would allow her to present her perspective on the events that transpired first.
A top literary agent in Washington D.C. stated that Harris could secure a major publishing deal only if she agrees to provide a candid and comprehensive account of her experiences over the past four years. This includes being forthright about her relationship with Biden, her role in his campaign’s conclusion, the Afghanistan withdrawal, the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden, her performance as the “border czar,” and her choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. She would also need to discuss how her campaign spent over $1.5 billion rapidly and identify the “real puppet masters” behind the scenes, among other topics.
The agent emphasized that for the book to be credible and convincing to publishers, editors, and the American public, Harris must be willing to reveal the truth about these issues and more. Readers would expect nothing less than complete honesty.
Harris’s prospective book could serve as a platform to address various critical topics and provide her perspective on the challenges she faced during her vice presidency and presidential campaign. If she chooses to write candidly, the book could offer insights into significant moments of her political journey and potentially reshape public perception of her leadership qualities.
The interest in Harris’s potential memoir highlights the broader fascination with political figures sharing their behind-the-scenes experiences. Such books often attract widespread attention and can influence public discourse, especially if they contain revelations about key political events and relationships.
As Harris contemplates her next steps, the decision of how to approach her book could have significant implications for her political future. A compelling and honest narrative might not only secure a lucrative book deal but also position her as a formidable contender in future elections.
The discussions surrounding her book deal underscore the ongoing interest in political narratives that offer a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the White House and the challenges faced by leaders in high-stakes environments. Harris’s potential memoir could contribute to this broader discourse, providing readers with an opportunity to engage with the complexities of contemporary political leadership.
