CNN’s Abby Phillip warns Kamala Harris’ ‘burned bridges’ and authenticity issues threaten 2028 bid

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN host Abby Phillip issued a warning on 'The Breakfast Club' about the prospects of former Vice President Kamala Harris running for president. Phillip suggested that Harris’s potential candidacy could be hindered by controversy surrounding her tell-all book, '107 Days.'

The discussion comes as the Democratic Party searches for a new rallying figure following its loss in last November’s elections. While it is widely speculated that Harris plans to run again, both she and former President Joe Biden have faced criticism from some within their own party over their post-election remarks.

Abby Phillip says Kamala Harris’s book may hurt her 2028 presidential hopes

Harris’s memoir, in which she recounts her experience campaigning after Joe Biden’s departure from the ticket, has stirred significant tension within the Democratic Party. Abby Phillip believes the book has caused lasting damage that could hinder any future presidential ambitions.

“I think that there are a lot of bridges that are burned here whether she wanted to or not. And I think it will be very difficult for her to mend those fences that she'll need in order to run if she does decide to run again. I think this book read kind of like somebody who was kind of done with it. So I will be interested to see if she decides to do it,” Phillip said.

Abby Phillip urges Kamala Harris to show realness ahead of 2028 race

Beyond the controversy surrounding her book, Abby Phillip emphasized that Kamala Harris needs to connect with constituents in a more genuine way. In today’s political landscape, Phillip said, there is growing pressure for politicians to be open and approachable.

“I think that she still has to figure out how to tap into authenticity in how she presents herself to the public because this world is not getting more kind to politicians who cannot level with voters and cannot show up any and everywhere,” Phillip added.

Phillip referenced a recent article on New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, noting how modern politicians are now expected to communicate effectively across all forms of media, from short soundbites to long-form interviews.

“I think that she still has work to do in that respect, and maybe this book is the first kind of foray into that, because I read her last book, and the tone was completely different,” Phillip said. “This is a different kind of book, and it was an opening foray into her showing people more of herself, but she's going to have to catch up to the speed and the kind of realness of media and politics that will be the bar in 2028. Like in 2028, the bar is going to be, ‘Are you a politician that can show up any and everywhere and authentically reach people?’”

Kamala Harris must choose between old and new politics

Phillip described Kamala Harris’s political approach as a mix of old and new styles, suggesting that the former vice president must fully commit to one.

“I think she is still straddling the old world and the new world, and she's going to have to figure out which one she wants to be in,” Phillip said.

Phillip emphasized that future political success will depend on a candidate’s willingness to take risks, particularly by engaging in unscripted and potentially confrontational interviews.

“I'm just telling you, that was not how they ran that last campaign,” she stated. “No, they didn’t,” added host Charlamagne tha God. “Period. It wasn't,” Phillip explained.

Abby Phillip says Newsom shows political adaptability Kamala Harris lacks

Abby Phillip drew a comparison between Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, highlighting their differing political approaches. Phillip noted that Newsom has demonstrated the kind of adaptability modern politics requires by inviting conservatives onto his podcast, even at the risk of criticism from fellow Democrats.

Phillip emphasized that being willing to debate and defend one’s views is crucial in today’s political landscape.

“You've got to prove to people that you can win the argument. And if you can't do that, it doesn't matter how polished you are, how experienced or knowledgeable you are. I think that's the baseline bar that you're going to have to cross for a lot of voters in this future media ecosystem," she said.