‘Not a Joke,’ as Biden Might Say: Harris Reportedly Urged to Start a Think Tank

A New York Times article on Thursday presented a surprising possible next move for former Vice President Kamala Harris—establishing a think tank for “policy and ideas.”

According to the report, “Brian Nelson, an adviser to Ms. Harris since she was California’s attorney general,” has proposed the idea of Harris “establishing an institute for policy and ideas” to “several universities, including Howard and Stanford.”

The Times’ postelection profile also discussed alternative paths for Harris, such as a second run for president in 2028 or a run for governor of California in 2026.

Harris was often mocked during the 2024 presidential election by supporters of President Donald Trump for what they characterized as incoherent “word salads.” 

Detractors on X ridiculed the idea of Harris establishing an “institute for policy and ideas.” 

“NYT: Kamala Harris, known for her deep knowledge and ability to articulate complex issues, is thinking about launching ‘an institute for policy and ideas,’” wrote Washington Free Beacon writer Andrew Stiles sarcastically.

Stiles later riffed on the topic, suggesting the name, “The Kamala D. Harris Institute for Examining the Importance of Understanding What Needs to Be Done.”

Stephen Green, a writer for PJ Media, replied, “Job 1: Finding some ideas and learning what policy is.”

Joe Jackson, a communications adviser for Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., quipped, “I can only imagine the type of deep thinkers that will be affiliated with this venture.”