Jon Stewart and Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin took aim at former Vice President Kamala Harris this week after she revealed in her new book why she passed over Pete Buttigieg as a potential 2024 running mate, as reported [1] by Fox News.
The remarks have added to mounting criticism of the Democratic Party’s struggles with authenticity and credibility.
On Thursday’s episode of The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, the host referenced Harris’ book, 107 Days, in which she explained her decision not to select then-Transportation Secretary Buttigieg. Harris wrote that Buttigieg’s identity as a gay man presented too much of a “risk” for the ticket.
“We were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,” Harris wrote.
“Part of me wanted to say, ‘Screw it, let’s just do it.’ But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk. And I think Pete also knew that — to our mutual sadness.”
Stewart criticized the explanation, drawing attention to the contradiction between Democratic support for LGBT causes and Harris’ reasoning.
“To my point, in [her book] when she says, ‘I didn’t go with Pete Buttigieg because he’s gay and that’d be too far,’ and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, it’s actually reverse affirmative action.’ It’s like, ‘What?’” Stewart said.
Harris’ remarks have fueled backlash in recent days, with critics accusing her of undercutting the very principles she and her party claim to support. Stewart connected Harris’ explanation to Martin’s broader point about why many voters have lost trust in Democrats.
Martin argued that the problem stems from a lack of sincerity among Democratic leaders. “The reason voters have lost trust in the Democratic Party is because they feel elected officials don’t actually believe the s— we’re selling them,” he said.
He added that authenticity matters more than scripted talking points or manufactured displays of strength.
“Everyone’s getting up, giving these fiery speeches. You know, you got male elected officials growing beards because they want to show strength and masculinity. It’s b——-,” Martin said. “Strength, it’s action. It’s action, and it’s authenticity. Do you really, really believe the s— you’re selling?”
Stewart highlighted New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as an example of a politician connecting with voters by plainly identifying key issues and offering direct solutions. “It’s simpler than authenticity, and the messenger and the metrics,” Stewart said.
Martin pushed back, insisting authenticity remains central. “At the end of the day, right, we could have plenty of people who are saying the exact same thing, who aren’t believed by the voters. At the end of the day, this is where authenticity matters. It’s not just saying something, right?” he said.
The controversy over Harris’ comments has intensified questions about the Democratic Party’s direction heading into future elections, as both Stewart and Martin pointed to credibility and authenticity as weaknesses for party leaders.
Fox News Digital reported that Harris’ representatives were contacted for comment.