Kamala Harris hits back at hecklers disrupting Chicago book event: 'Pronounce my name correctly'

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Vice President Kamala Harris faced rowdy protesters who disrupted her Chicago event promoting her new memoir, '107 Days'.

Security quickly removed those shouting and filming during her conversation with journalist Michele Norris. Harris herself pushed back against the hecklers in an attempt to tackle the situation.

Hecklers interrupt Kamala Harris' book tour event

A video circulating online shows the 60-year-old former vice president discussing her book with journalist Michele Norris when someone in the audience suddenly started yelling, "You are a killer, Kamala. You support genocide." Another interrupted, asking, "What about the press you let die in Gaza, Kamala?"

In response to the disruption, Harris responded sharply, "If you want to talk about legacy, let’s talk about the legacy of mass deportation, of people not voting, and Donald Trump.” She then questioned the protester, “Are you the same person that was telling people not to vote?”

Humorously, she claimed while discussing respect for the press, “And please pronounce my name correctly…”

Video from another book tour event captured a man shouting about "genocide" before security removed him from the event.

When a protester interrupted Harris by shouting about Gaza at an event, she stood up and fired back, saying, “You know what, I am not president of the United States!” The crowd responded with cheers as security removed the heckler.

Kamala Harris’ '107 Days' faces criticism, even from Democrats

Kamala Harris kicked off her book tour in late September to promote her memoir, '107 Days', which chronicles her 2024 presidential campaign following former Presdient Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

In the book, Harris details behind-the-scenes decision-making and exposes internal tensions among the campaign staff.

However, the memoir has sparked criticism, including from within Democratic circles. A senior advisor to a potential 2028 Democratic contender, speaking anonymously, dismissed the book as petty and lacking substance.

“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 said.

“It's embarrassing for her, and for all Democrats, considering she was the leader of the party less than a year ago,” they added. 

Former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza also panned the book on Substack, writing that Harris’ media tour only confirmed his long-standing belief that she isn’t a strong politician.

“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,” he wrote. On X, he criticized her public appearances, claiming “she’s not good on her feet” and “speaks in word salads.”

Democratic strategist Gary South echoed the disapproval, telling The Hill that Harris’ memoir takes a defensive tone.

“She came out with arms flailing and guns blazing, blaming everyone but herself for her loss,” he said. “It is a curiously negative and ungracious tome for someone who reportedly thinks she can run again in 2028.”