Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ book
tour stop in Chicago was disrupted multiple times Saturday afternoon, as security removed several protesters during a tense event promoting her new memoir, "107 Days."
As Harris discussed her book with journalist Michele Norris, who was moderating the event, at least one protester began shouting from the audience, prompting a chorus of "get her out" from attendees. Security quickly escorted the woman from the venue.
Footage from the event showed at least two additional disruptions, including a man who appeared to shout about genocide before being removed. The motivations behind the protests were not immediately clear.
The audience responded with applause when Norris addressed the disruptions by saying, "We encourage people to use their voices, but we want them to show respect for this woman."
Harris responded with a bit of humor, adding, "And please pronounce my name correctly…"
It's not the first time Harris’ book
tour has drawn protests. Since launching her national book tour late last month, Harris has faced similar interruptions at several stops promoting "107 Days," which recounts her 2024 presidential campaign following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
The book chronicles her 107-day sprint to Election Day and offers a behind-the-scenes look at campaign decisions, staff tensions, and political challenges she faced during that period.
An advisor to a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender
told Politico, "At a time when people are looking for a vision and leadership... and want to see leaders rise to the level of threat facing the country, it’s pretty crazy she chose to write a gossip book that prioritizes the pettiness of her politics."
The advisor added, "It’s embarrassing for her, and for all Democrats, considering she was the leader of the party less than a year ago."
Former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza also weighed in critically, writing on his Substack, "Harris’ recent media tour to tout her memoir — ‘107 Days’ — has reminded me of something I think I have long known: She is simply not a very good politician. And she hasn’t gotten much better over her decades in the business."
In a post on X, Cillizza noted that
Harris' return to the public stage reminded him "she’s not good on her feet," and added, "she speaks in word salads."
Criticism has also come from Democratic strategist Gary South,
who told The Hill that the timing of Harris’ memoir was less than ideal.
Referencing the book’s tone, South said excerpts suggest "she came out with arms flailing and guns blazing, blaming everyone but herself for her loss."
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