Kamala Harris Labels JD Vance a ‘Shape-Shifter’ in New Memoir

In her new memoir, 107 Days, Vice President Kamala Harris didn’t mince words when describing her former colleague, JD Vance. With just two sharp words, she summarized her impression: “shape-shifter.”

Harris clarified that she wasn’t referencing any internet conspiracy theories about literal shape-shifting, such as claims about celebrities. Instead, she meant Vance’s chameleon-like ability to adapt his personality to suit his audience. “JD Vance is a shape-shifter. And a shifty guy,” Harris wrote, as quoted by USA Today. She likened his behavior to “that one mean kid in class who was the sweetest to the teacher and other adults, but a total nightmare to fellow classmates.”

The term underscores Vance’s political trajectory. Once a vocal critic of Donald Trump, Vance’s stance has dramatically shifted. Ron Howard, who directed the film adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy, noted that Vance “didn’t care for Trump” during their collaboration. In 2016, Vance even posted on social media, “My g– what an i—-,” a now-deleted statement criticizing Trump. Yet today, he serves as Trump’s right-hand man—a transformation that has left many questioning the motivations behind his shift.

Speculation over Vance’s loyalties intensified after a controversial June 2025 meeting with media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Shortly thereafter, the Wall Street Journal, owned by Murdoch, published a report claiming that Trump had once sent Jeffrey Epstein a cryptic birthday note reading, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump later denied sending the note. Anti-Trump groups, including The Lincoln Project, suggested that Vance might be “warming up in the wings, waiting for his moment,” fueling speculation that he is preparing for a post-Trump political landscape.

Vance’s reputation for adaptability is well-documented. In October 2024, political commentator Tim Miller highlighted his “ability to code switch from a sociopathic — who is ambivalent to human suffering on MAGA bro podcasts — to a guy who credibly seems like he doesn’t want other people to die on the debate stage,” calling it a “useful political skill.”

Harris’ two-word label captures the essence of Vance’s unpredictable political persona. Observers agree that his shifting allegiances make it difficult to anticipate which direction he will take next, reinforcing the image of a true political “shape-shifter.”