Montel Williams recently addressed the 2024 presidential election outcome involving former Vice President Kamala Harris, attributing her loss to campaign timing and public misconceptions. During an appearance on the program On Par With Maury Povich, Williams characterized the late start of the campaign as a significant factor in the results. He further stated that he believes there are persistent misunderstandings regarding who Harris was and is.
Williams, who dated Harris in 2001, described her as one of the smartest people he’s ever met in his life. Despite his personal assessment of her capabilities, he expressed doubt regarding the timing of her candidacy, suggesting that the circumstances and timing were all bad.
Historical Context of the Relationship
The personal history between Montel Williams and Kamala Harris dates back to 2001, a period when both were single. At the time, Harris was an upcoming attorney working for the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, while Williams was the host of The Montell Williams Show. The pair gained media attention in May 2001 when they appeared together on the red carpet at the Eighth Annual Race to Erase MS Gala in Los Angeles, accompanied by Williams’ daughter, Ashley.
HISTORIC VIDEO: Kamala Harris and Montel Williams pic.twitter.com/33Rw6XOEPP— The Music Collective (@wavcollections) March 30, 2024
Analysis of the 2024 Campaign Dynamics
According to Williams, the primary hurdle for the Harris campaign was the lateness of the campaign. Williams noted that this hampered the campaign’s ability to effectively counter what he described as “misconceptions” about who she was.
Williams told Povich that while he believes Harris would have done a good job, the political climate and the logistical constraints of the late-starting campaign made the loss difficult to avoid.
Perspectives on Future Elections
Beyond the 2024 election, Williams expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of a woman being elected President of the United States in the near term. During his interview, he stated, “Anybody out there who thinks that America is gonna elect a woman in the next four or five years, you are crazy.” He maintained this position despite potential public disagreement, asserting that he holds little concern for how his views are received.
The question of whether Kamala Harris will seek the presidency again remains a subject of public interest. In her memoir about her 2024 presidential run, 107 Days, Harris did not close the door on running in the 2028 election. In an October 2025 interview with the BBC, Harris stated, “I am not done,” adding that her life of service is “in my bones.”
While Williams’ comments reflect his personal outlook on the current political landscape, the actual path for any candidate in the 2028 election remains subject to future party primaries and shifting national priorities.