Written by Matthew Reynolds.
A somber December evening in 2024 saw former Vice President Kamala Harris quietly making her way to Hillary Clinton’s residence in Washington, D.C. What was the occasion? A private reception that many have since dubbed the ultimate “losers’ club” gathering. It was a night of shared sorrow and reflection as the two discussed their all-too-similar experiences of being politically bested by former President Donald Trump.
The get-together came shortly after President Joe Biden’s unceremonious exit from the Democratic Party’s 2024 ticket, a move that left Harris scrambling for relevance. Clinton, now a seasoned veteran of political disappointment, extended a warm invitation to Harris. According to New York Magazine, this wasn’t their first heart-to-heart. Over the years, these two have bonded over their unique ability to lose spectacularly on the national stage—a claim to fame that few can boast.
A Medal of Freedom, A Medal of Irony
The timing of this gathering was no coincidence. Just days earlier, Hillary Clinton had been awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Biden, a gesture that many interpreted as a consolation prize for decades of political service marred by controversy. At the post-ceremony reception hosted in Clinton’s honor, Harris reportedly made a low-key entrance, avoiding the press and slipping into what was described as a quiet corner of elite camaraderie.
Clinton, ever the strategist, used the occasion to solidify her alliance with Harris. Back in 2020, Clinton had been among the first to endorse Harris when Biden selected her as his running mate. Fast forward to 2024, and Clinton once again threw her support behind Harris, even as the Democratic Party’s internal divisions became increasingly apparent. Sources claim that the two women spoke extensively that evening, strategizing on their next moves and commiserating over their shared “exceedingly rare” experiences of national humiliation.
A Friendship Forged in Defeat
The relationship between Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton dates back to Harris’s arrival in Washington, D.C., as a newly elected senator in 2017. Clinton, who had weathered her own storm of public scrutiny and electoral loss, reportedly became something of a mentor to Harris. Over the years, Harris often sought Clinton’s advice, particularly as she navigated the complexities of serving as Vice President.
Harris’s reliance on Clinton’s counsel reached new heights during the 2024 campaign cycle. After Biden’s removal from the Democratic ticket, Harris leaned heavily on Clinton’s insights, though it’s worth noting that Clinton’s advice hasn’t always led to political success. Case in point: Harris’s sister, Maya, who played a significant role in both Clinton’s 2016 campaign and Harris’s failed 2020 presidential bid.
The Maya Factor
Maya Harris’s involvement in her sister’s political career has been a double-edged sword. As one of Kamala’s closest advisors, Maya brought years of experience as a policy expert and strategist. However, critics argue that her approach often leaned too heavily on the Clinton playbook, which has repeatedly failed to resonate with a broad swath of the American electorate.
During Kamala’s 2024 campaign, Maya reportedly drew inspiration from Clinton’s tactics, emphasizing identity politics and a technocratic vision for the future. Yet, these strategies once again fell flat, leading to another resounding defeat at the hands of Donald Trump. For many, this outcome was hardly surprising. After all, the Clinton legacy—and by extension, the Maya Harris strategy—has consistently struggled to connect with everyday Americans.
Our Take
The political camaraderie between Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton is a fascinating study in resilience—or perhaps stubbornness. Both women have faced significant public and electoral rejection, yet they continue to double down on the very strategies that have repeatedly failed them. Their shared “exceedingly rare” experiences might make for good cocktail conversation, but it’s hard to see how this alliance benefits the Democratic Party or the American public.
The real issue lies in their inability to adapt. Both Harris and Clinton have clung to a brand of politics that prioritizes identity and elitism over genuine connection with voters. This approach has alienated large segments of the population, leaving the Democratic Party fractured and struggling to define its future. While their bond might provide personal solace, it does little to inspire confidence in their leadership abilities.
The public deserves leaders who can learn from their mistakes, not ones who gather for pity parties and recycle failed playbooks. As the Democratic Party looks ahead to 2028, it would do well to distance itself from the Clinton-Harris school of thought and embrace a more grounded, voter-centric approach.
