The idea of her running for Governor of California has also been floated, perhaps more realistically than another Presidential run.
Does anyone seriously believe that Harris was the best that the Democrats could have put up in 2024 had they had an open primary? Does anyone seriously believe she will be the Democratic frontrunner in a 2028 primary?
More to the point, when was the last time a losing candidate for President was given a second change (other than Donald Trump who had previously won)?
Richard Nixon comes to mind as the only example in recent history, loosing to JFK before winning back to backs against Humphrey and McGovern. Like Trump, Grover Cleveland won, lost, and then won Presidential elections. That was back in the late 1800s. That is not a lot of precedent. Generally, once someone has run and lost, that stigma just sort of sticks with them. What makes Harris special? What makes her a better second chance option than Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, John McCain, John Kerry, or Al Gore. Hillary and Gore both won the popular vote and were still not allowed a second chance at the prize. In fact, Harris was only the second Democrat Presidential candidate (John Kerry being the other) to have lost the popular vote in a Presidential election since 2000. She almost could not have failed any worse.
I would be one of the many many conservatives who would offer that Kamala Harris would be the best case scenario for the next Republican to run against. While the bench might not be as well known as some election cycles, I still feel like almost anyone else not named Tim Walz would be a better option for Democrats. There will be some who will continue to push for Harris due to the concept of the "glass ceiling" issues in play. For those people it is always about the identity politics and never about anything else.
Either way, recent reports are that Harris is telling everyone that this is not the end, but just the beginning for her and that she expects to make a splash fairly soon. If I am a Democrat I am probably hoping that means she will be running for Governor of California and not trying to run for President. Perhaps she can replace Gavin Newsom who is likely to throw his hat into the 2028 ring. That seems to be a better option for Democrats, albeit not much better.
More to the point, when was the last time a losing candidate for President was given a second change
Nixon
LOL
The trouble for California Republicans with a Harris run for governor is that it could easily result in another Schiff vs Garvey situation rather than Schiff vs other prominent Democrat. Top 2 candidates regardless of party advance. If there is only one Democrat on the ballot they almost always win... No Republican would vote for Harris so the Dem-2 candidate would likely win if 2 had advanced in the primary as is often the case.. Guess what I'm saying is that if Harris runs for governor I hope no prominent Republican runs against her...