Lindy Li, a prominent fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, voiced frustration on Fox News, describing Harris’s presidential bid as an “epic disaster” after being “misled” by campaign promises. Li, a member of the Democratic National Committee, had raised millions for the campaign, believing it was a close race — only to see Harris lose to President-elect Donald Trump by a wide margin.
At a Glance:
- Fundraiser’s Frustration: Lindy Li, a Harris surrogate, claims she and donors were misled about the campaign’s chances.
- $1 Billion in Donations Spent: Harris’s campaign spent over $1 billion, but ended with significant debt.
- Biden’s Early Endorsement Sparks Controversy: Li suggests Biden’s rapid endorsement of Harris was a parting shot to the Democratic Party.
In her interview with Fox & Friends Weekend, Li expressed deep disappointment, recounting how campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon assured surrogates of a win, even distributing videos to emphasize the confidence in Harris’s victory. Li said these reassurances influenced her to raise large sums from friends and donors. “I have friends that I have to be accountable to,” she noted, sharing that she felt betrayed after what she described as “false hope.”
Discontent Among Harris Supporters
According to Li, divisions within the Democratic Party and friction between Harris and the Biden administration further undermined the campaign. She revealed how leaked information and high staff turnover plagued the vice president’s office, stabilizing only in her final years as vice president. Describing the situation as “backstabbing,” Li suggested that Biden’s sudden endorsement of Harris caught the party off guard, fueling doubts about her candidacy.
Li also pointed to an apparent lack of confidence from influential Democrats, noting that the Obamas delayed endorsing Harris for three days after Biden’s endorsement. “It was the silence heard around the world,” she said, implying that Biden’s endorsement was rushed and contentious.
Financial Fallout
The Harris campaign’s reliance on extensive financial backing only amplified the disappointment. With $1 billion in donations, the campaign spent heavily yet found itself millions in debt post-election. Li said she now faces the difficult task of explaining the situation to her donors, who believed in the campaign’s promise of a close race.
As the dust settles from Harris’s election loss, disillusionment among her supporters is apparent. Li’s public remarks shed light on the frustrations within Democratic circles, particularly over campaign management and unfulfilled assurances made to supporters and donors.
