Ana Kasparian, a longtime co-host of the progressive web show The Young Turks, announced she would consider leaving California if Kamala Harris decides to run for governor.
Her comments come amid growing speculation about Harris’ political future following a report by CNN citing aides and high-profile sources in California Democratic Party politics.
According to the report, Harris is weighing two potential paths: a run for California governor in 2026, or another bid for the presidency in 2028.
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Advocates for a presidential campaign point to Harris’ significant fundraising capabilities and improved net favorability following Biden’s decision to suspend his re-election campaign.
However, a return to California politics appears to be an appealing option for Harris.
She previously served as California’s attorney general, winning statewide elections twice.
Multiple potential gubernatorial candidates have reportedly indicated they would step aside if Harris enters the race, paving the way for what one source described as a “slam dunk” campaign in the heavily Democratic state.
Kasparian, known for her outspoken criticism of the Democratic Party establishment during the 2024 campaign cycle, expressed outrage at the possibility of Harris leading California after Governor Gavin Newsom completes his term.
During a recent segment on The Young Turks, Kasparian clashed with her co-host, Cenk Uygur, over Harris’ prospects.
“I think Kamala Harris would probably win in a cakewalk for governor,” Uygur said, prompting an immediate reaction from Kasparian, who shouted, “No!”
She continued, “What are you doing? What are you doing? No, I’m telling you the reality, whether you like it or not… Democratic voters in California love to obey.”
Kasparian then made her intentions clear, declaring, “I’m gonna move, Cenk! I’m gonna quit my job. I’m gonna quit my job, and I’m gonna move.”
Uygur responded, “I’m not saying I’m in favor of it. I’m telling you what’s, like, if they, the Democratic Party, said, ‘We anoint Kamala Harris,’ a giant percentage of Democrats in California would go, ‘Yes! We obey. We will take the loyalty oath. It doesn’t matter how bad she is.’”
Ana Kasparian explodes at cohost Cenk Uygur for not realizing that Kamala Harris’ political career is over:
Cenk Uygur: “I think Kamala Harris would probably run in a cakewalk for governor.”
Ana Kasparian: “NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”
Cenk Uygur: “I’m telling you the reality… pic.twitter.com/xDMCpoHdb9— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) December 20, 2024
Kasparian’s frustrations with the Democratic Party are not new.
Earlier this year, she formally announced her departure from the party, despite being a longtime supporter of Democrats and vocal critic of President-elect Donald Trump.
In a candid interview with Jillian Michaels, Kasparian recounted a harrowing personal experience involving homelessness and public safety that significantly influenced her decision.
Kasparian revealed that she was sexually assaulted by two homeless men while attending to her dog, an incident that left her feeling powerless. “I didn’t know what to do. I was terrified, I didn’t have a weapon on me, I had no way of defending myself,” she explained. “And that woke me up.”
Kasparian’s comments reflect growing frustration among some progressives with Democratic leadership and policies, particularly in California.
As Harris continues to weigh her political options, the debate over her potential gubernatorial run highlights deep divisions within the party and among its supporters.
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