Harris vigorously defends failed presidential bid

At L.A. event for her new book, she criticizes Trump’s policies and instructs Democrats to stand firm

- BY SEEMA МЕНТА

JASON ARMOND Los Angeles Times FORMER Vice President Kamala Harris discusses her campaign memoir, "107 Days," at the Wiltern.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris offered a spirited defense of her short, unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid, lamented the loss of voters' faith in institutions and urged Democrats to not become dispirited as she spoke Monday at the first hometown celebration of her new book about her roller-coaster campaign.

She appeared to take little responsibility for her loss to President Trump in 2024 while addressing a fawning crowd of 2,000 people at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.

"I wrote the book for many reasons, but primarily to remind us how unprecedented that election was," Harris said about "107 Days," her political memoir that was released last week. "Think about it. A sitting president of the United States is running for reelection and three and a half months before the election decides not to run, and then a sitting vice president takes up the mantle to run against a former president of the United States who has been running for 10 years, with 107 days to go."

She dismissed Trump's claims that his 2024 victory was so overwhelming that it was a clear mandate by the voters.

"And by the way, can history reflect on the fact that it was the closest presidential election?" Harris said, standing from her seat on the stage as the audience cheered. "It is important for us to remember so that we know where we've been to decide and chart where we are.