During an appearance on MS NOW’s “State of Play,” former Vice President Kamala Harris addressed reports that several Democratic candidates running in red states have sought to avoid her endorsement or public association. Harris told host Peter Alexander that she was not surprised by these tactical decisions, framing them as a pragmatic necessity for candidates operating in difficult political environments.

“We need to win, OK? Bottom line, we need to win,” Harris stated, suggesting that she supports candidates doing whatever is required to secure victory in their respective districts. The former vice president’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the party's national brand and how it impacts local races in areas where the Democratic platform may face significant opposition. While some observers view this distancing as a sign of internal friction or a lack of popularity for the national ticket, Harris characterized the behavior as a standard part of electoral strategy for candidates attempting to appeal to a broader, more conservative base of voters.