During Monday's broadcast of ABC's The View, co-host Sunny Hostin openly questioned whether Vice President Kamala Harris is the optimal candidate for the presidency, suggesting her talents might be better suited to leading California. The discussion emerged as the panel reacted to former Congressman Eric Swalwell's withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race amid sexual assault allegations.
Hostin's Critique of Harris's Presidential Ambitions
Hostin, a 57-year-old former federal prosecutor and vocal Harris supporter, articulated her doubts about Harris's fit for the White House. "I know that she's talked about being president—I don't know if that's the right position for her," Hostin stated. She emphasized Harris's deep familiarity with California, portraying the state as a colossal entity akin to running a country.
"You know, California, it's like running a country," Hostin remarked. "California overtook Japan as the fourth-largest global economy. It has a GDP of $4.25 trillion." She proposed that Harris should "put her hat back in the ring for Governor of California," implying the governorship aligns more closely with Harris's expertise and political background.
Context: Swalwell's Exit and Harris's Political History
Hostin's comments were prompted by Eric Swalwell's decision to end his gubernatorial campaign following accusations of misconduct from four women. Swalwell, who had been a leading Democratic contender to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, resigned from the House of Representatives and vowed to contest the allegations while acknowledging past errors. A federal investigation into the matter commenced over the weekend.
Harris and Newsom share a parallel political trajectory in California, both rising to prominence in the early 2000s. Newsom became San Francisco mayor in 2003, shortly before Harris assumed the role of the city's district attorney. Despite Harris's unsuccessful presidential bid in 2024, both figures are now reportedly considering runs in 2028.
The October 2024 Interview: A Defining Moment
Hostin's skepticism stems partly from an on-air exchange with Harris in October 2024, widely perceived as a campaign misstep. During that interview, Hostin posed what she described as a "layup" question, asking Harris if she would have handled anything differently than President Joe Biden, who was then facing challenges.
Harris responded, "There is not a thing that comes to mind," a reply that left Hostin and many viewers perplexed. Reflecting on the incident, Hostin later explained on The View's Behind the Table podcast, "The reason I followed up was because that wasn't a gotcha question. That was a layup, really." She conceded her confusion, noting the query was intended to be straightforward and supportive.
Harris's Presidential Aspirations and Newsom's Response
Harris recently hinted at a potential presidential run in 2028 during an appearance at the 2026 National Action Network Convention, telling Reverend Al Sharpton she is "thinking about" it. This announcement set the stage for Hostin's pointed advice.
In her book, 107 Days, Harris recounted attempting to contact Newsom after Biden decided not to seek re-election. Newsom reportedly replied, "Hiking. Will Call Back," but never followed up. Newsom later clarified to CalMatters that he did not recognize the number and was unaware it was Harris, adding he was simultaneously drafting a statement to endorse her. Harris's book omitted mention of this endorsement.
The dynamic between Harris and Newsom continues to intrigue political observers, as both weigh future presidential campaigns against their California roots. Hostin's commentary underscores ongoing debates about candidate suitability and the strategic pathways to national leadership.
