Former Vice President Kamala Harris discusses her new book “107 Days” in front of a packed audience at The Met in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
— TRIBUNE PHOTO/KYLAN WATSON
Before the discussion with former Vice President Kamala Harris, a line could be seen down North Broad Street outside The Met on Thursday.
— TRIBUNE PHOTO/KYLAN WATSON
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, right, on stage with Dawn Staley on Thursday at The Met.
— TRIBUNE PHOTO/KYLAN WATSON
The Met in North Philadelphia was filled to capacity on Thursday to hear former Vice President Kamala Harris tell her story in the second stop of her book tour for *107 Days*. The discussion was moderated by Philadelphia native, basketball star, and championship coach Dawn Staley, who asked Harris questions about why she wrote the book, the importance of family, and the characteristics of a good president.
“First to remember how unprecedented those 107 days were,” Harris said. “And I would also like history to recall and to point out that it was the closest election in the 21st century, so I decided to write a book.”
The book chronicles her failed presidential campaign and offers Harris’ perspective on critical moments in the election. It also outlines her own regrets about her decisions and performance during the campaign. Harris said she wanted to make sure her voice was present when the story is told for the history books.
She also talked about a conversation she had with Angela Merkel, the former chancellor of Germany, who told Harris to never let anyone make her cry.
“It was such an important moment for me—this world leader who had been doing it for 15 years at that level, who saw something about what was happening here and offered that type of advice,” Harris said.
Harris expressed gratefulness to the men and women in her life who have offered her advice that considered the realities of being the first woman president.
Throughout the conversation, she spoke frankly about the current political situation the country is in and encouraged everyone in attendance to continue to fight to make the country better.
“I wanted to see her, I wanted to hear what she has to say since the election,” said Barbara Long, an attendee at the event. “For the time she had, I thought she did great, but I think a lot of people were disappointed. I love her and I’m still supporting her.”
Long mentioned she wanted to hear about Harris’ plans for the future. While Harris did not delve into that topic during the conversation, she did talk about how she predicted many developments during the second Trump administration—except for the capitulation from the private sector, colleges and universities, and other organizations in the country.
“I’m hoping to hear what she went through,” said Dana Boone, a Pennsylvania resident who attended the event. “I know it took a toll on her mentally, probably physically. I want to hear how she was able to get through those 107 days.”
Harris touched on some behind-the-scenes moments, specifically around election night and how she had not cried like she did that night since her mother’s death. She also talked about the toll that campaigning took on her marriage to Doug Emhoff, who was worried about the results in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, Harris said that until she started creating the book, the two had not talked about what happened on election night and how traumatic it was for them.
“There’s a certain clarity [from crying] that comes with that about seeing what’s important and what’s not,” Harris said. “Trying to understand the importance of being a leader who understands the suffering of other people and then trying to do something about it to lift them up.”
During the event, Staley asked Harris questions from the audience that touched on the importance of Gen Zers, investing in children and future generations, teaching the history of the country, and the fear around censorship.
“Instead of constantly trying to divide our nation and create fear and a sense of loneliness, part of why I wrote the book is to remind us to pay attention,” Harris said.
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The Philadelphia Tribune hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event Thursday evening, September 18, 2025. The event celebrates and honors Black Philadelphians who are making a significant impact throughout the area.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/in-philly-visit-kamala-harris-opens-up-about-regrets-in-failed-white-house-bid/article_7f9a24c1-b0f2-4272-b999-4e0103570b1a.html