Willie Brown, the 90-year-old former boyfriend of Vice President Kamala Harris, believes that President Joe Biden should step down to allow Harris to ascend to the presidency.
The Daily Mail reported that Brown shared his thoughts on Harris' political career and their personal history in a candid interview with Politico columnist Jonathan Martin.
During that interview, he talked at length about Harris and also shared his fear that she suffers from "the Hillary syndrome" which could sink her hopes of victory in November.
Brown, who once dated Harris when he was 60 and running for mayor of San Francisco, and Harris was a 29-year-old prosecutor, has remained an influential figure in her political journey.
Despite their past relationship ending after a year, Brown has continued to support Harris's political ambitions.
The former California State Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor, Brown, has been vocal about his belief that Harris is ready for the country's highest office. He even joked about their longstanding inside joke that if Harris were to become president, “She’ll deport my a**.”
Brown raised concerns about Harris suffering from what he termed "the Hillary syndrome," inferring that like Hillary Clinton, Harris struggles with likability among the public—a problem he believes to be unfixable. Nonetheless, Brown remains confident in Harris's abilities, stating, "You can very easily underestimate Kamala Harris, but if you do you will be looking up from the dungeon for the queen will be on the throne."
Brown played a significant role in Harris' early political career by appointing her to two state boards, which garnered her over $400,000 and provided her with a BMW. Additionally, he supported her first campaign for San Francisco District Attorney by donating and raising funds.
However, during her campaign, Harris distanced herself from Brown, insisting on her independence. She publicly declared that Brown’s career was over and that she did not owe him anything, asserting, "I will be alive and kicking for the next 40 years. I do not owe him a thing."
Despite this declaration, Harris never publicly spoke about Brown after that, maintaining her stance on independence in her political career.
Brown also shared insights into Harris's political journey, revealing that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had initially not supported Harris for president. Brown ensured that California Governor Gavin Newsom provided his support to Harris.
Reflecting on Harris's ascent and the hurdles she's faced, Brown warned others not to underestimate her capabilities, acknowledging the challenges but recognizing her potential.
Adding a personal anecdote, Brown recounted how former President Donald Trump once flew him, Harris, and his team to New York on his private plane in the 1990s. Although Harris did not attend the meeting that ensued, Brown cherishes a photograph they took on Trump's plane, highlighting a fleeting moment of their shared history.
Brown also touched on Trump’s political journey, suggesting its success stemmed from his celebrity status. Brown described Trump as an entertainer which, in his view, played a significant role in Trump's political appeal.
This perspective on celebrity influence in politics adds another layer to Brown’s observations about Harris and the dynamics she navigates within her political career.
Brown's reflections underline the deep roots of Harris's political career, influenced significantly by her early connections yet further fueled by her determination to assert her independence and capabilities.
In summary, Willie Brown believes that President Joe Biden should step down for Kamala Harris to assume the presidency.
He expressed both his support for her and concerns about her public perception, attributing much of her political ascent to her resilience and strategic maneuvering.
Despite their past romantic relationship, Harris and Brown's political ties have shaped aspects of her career. Brown’s candid reflections provide insight into Harris's past, her present challenges, and the uncertain political future ahead of her.
