Kamala Harris Turned to Hillary Clinton for Guidance After Crushing Loss to Donald Trump

What Happened?

Former Secretary of State and U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton knows what it feels like to lose a presidential election to Donald Trump. This fact reportedly led former Vice President Kamala Harris to seek Clinton's counsel once she suffered the same fate in the 2024 race, which led to Trump's second term in office. 
The two have reportedly engaged in multiple discussions as Harris contemplates her future in politics. While the specifics of their conversations remain private, it's evident that Harris is drawing on Clinton's experiences to navigate her own post-election path to a possible 2028 run in the same race. 
Here's where things could be headed for America's first female VP. 
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Reflecting on Historical Parallels

Both former nominees have broken significant barriers in American politics. Clinton was the first woman to secure the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, while Harris broke a centuries-long record for women when she became VP in 2021. 
Despite these achievements, both faced defeats by Trump, which one analyst said highlights "the persistent challenges women encounter in the political arena."
Their shared experiences provide a unique foundation for their consultations, but not everyone is buying into the "uniqueness" of their predicament. 
"Basically they both know how to scowl during a Trump inaugural address, that's the similarity," one X commenter quipped. 

Exploring Future Political Endeavors

In the aftermath of her electoral loss, Harris is thinking about her next steps. Options on the table include a potential run for California governor in 2026, as incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited, or another presidential bid in 2028. 
The ex-VP has emphasized to her close associates the importance of keeping her options open, indicating a reluctance to make decisions that could preclude future political opportunities.

Consultations Beyond Clinton

Beyond her discussions with Clinton, Harris has been engaging with family members, friends and political allies to chart her course forward. 
These consultations aim to gather diverse perspectives as she navigates the complexities of her political career post-vice presidency. 
"The collective insights from her network are expected to play a crucial role in shaping her decisions moving forward," a political strategist explained. 

Public Appearances and Personal Life

Recently, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were spotted grocery shopping in California, signaling her transition back to civilian life. 
This public appearance comes amid her ongoing reflections on her political future. Observers note that such outings may serve to humanize Harris, offering the public a glimpse into her life beyond the political sphere.
However, the former second-in-command's Brentwood food handout "ceremony" was not popular with local residents. 

Overcoming the Stigma of Defeat

A significant challenge for Harris will be overcoming the stigma associated with her 2024 defeat. 
Historical precedents, such as former Vice President Richard Nixon's political comeback in 1968, in which he won the presidency after losing to John F. Kennedy in 1960, demonstrate that a rebound is possible. 

However, Harris will need to carefully strategize to rebuild her political standing and address lingering doubts among the electorate, especially as Democratic candidates begin filing paperwork for the 2028 election.