Edward-Isaac Dovere speculates that it was in part an attempt to position herself to lead the “Resistance” (which, by the way, is an obnoxious, self-dramatizing term for the opposition to Trump).

I don’t relish kicking her while she’s down, but I don’t think this is going to work. There were two periods of time during which millions of Democrats nationally were enthusiastic about Harris: between Biden’s selection of her as his vice-presidential nominee and the start of his term, and then again between Biden’s exit from the race and last night. During most of her vice presidency, she has been unpopular with the public and the butt of jokes from Democratic insiders.

After last night, the incentives to overlook her limitations have again disappeared.