‘We’ve got a helluva target on us’: Kamala Harris allies say Trump’s L.A. attacks actually boost her potential governor bid

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been closely monitoring the unrest in Los Angeles through local TV news and the Apple News app while maintaining communication with key California officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom.

Harris, who recently left her position in Washington, has been selective about her public political statements. However, she recently made headlines by criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in Los Angeles, calling it a “dangerous escalation” on social media.

According to Politico, Harris’s supporters believe Trump’s confrontational stance toward California could actually benefit her potential gubernatorial campaign. “If she was worried that her becoming governor might put a bigger target on California, the last week took that question off the table,” one Harris supporter said. “We’ve got a helluva target on us no matter who the governor is.”

How Harris’s law enforcement background influences her response to the LA situation

Her response to the current situation in Los Angeles is shaped by her background as a lifelong Californian with extensive law enforcement experience. Sources familiar with her thinking note that she connects with protesters due to her exposure to civil rights demonstrations during her childhood and her involvement in anti-apartheid movements in the 1980s.

Harris criticized Trump’s handling of the situation, describing it as a “cruel, calculated decision to spread panic and division.” Her previous experience as vice president has given her insight into how White House decisions can impact such volatile situations.

Despite the ongoing turmoil, Harris is maintaining her original timeline for deciding her political future, with a deadline set for late summer. Her allies suggest that if she enters the governor’s race, her previous confrontations with Trump could give her an advantage over other Democratic candidates.

Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio notes that the current situation presents both opportunities and challenges for Harris. While Governor Newsom’s profile has risen due to his confrontations with Trump, Harris’s position as a strong anti-Trump candidate could work in her favor if she decides to run for governor. However, the enhanced competition could affect her decision to pursue another presidential bid.