Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign has come under intense scrutiny after raising over $1.5 billion but ending with $20 million in debt.

Democratic strategist James Carville and other party leaders are calling for financial audits to address concerns about campaign spending, donor trust, and future fundraising efforts, Washington Examiner reported.

Harris Campaign Raises Record Amounts

Harris's campaign, which spanned three months, amassed over $1.5 billion in contributions, a historic figure for a presidential bid. Despite these unprecedented resources, her campaign concluded with significant debt following her loss to President-elect Donald Trump earlier this month.

Democratic strategist James Carville has suggested that total spending might have reached $2.5 billion, including funds from external resources like Future Forward, a major super PAC backing Harris. According to Carville, Future Forward alone accounted for $1 billion in expenditures during the election cycle.

The financial outcomes have raised alarms across the Democratic Party, with prominent donors and strategists demanding transparency about where the money went.

Party Leaders Push For Accountability

Carville has been one of the most vocal advocates for accountability. He has called for comprehensive audits of the Harris campaign, Future Forward, and the Democratic National Committee (DNC). "We’re going to audit the campaign...so people can know," Carville stated during an interview.

These demands are echoed by Democratic donors like John Morgan, who criticized Harris’s financial management. Morgan stated that her spending decisions disqualify her from future political ambitions.

James Zogby, a candidate for vice chair of the DNC, proposed creating a financial oversight committee to prevent similar issues in future campaigns. "I want to make sure we have a conversation about, where does the money go, and why don’t we know where it goes?" Zogby remarked.

Strategic Choices Face Heavy Criticism

Carville’s criticism extended beyond finances to the campaign’s overall strategy. Initially a Harris supporter, he expressed frustration with the campaign's focus on identity politics and its approach to issues like the January 6 insurrection. According to Carville, these choices alienated key voter demographics.

One controversial decision involved Harris declining an invitation to appear on Joe Rogan's podcast. This decision, reportedly influenced by progressive staff members, drew sharp criticism from Carville, who viewed it as a missed opportunity to connect with male voters.

"Campaigns need to reflect progressive values" was a sentiment Carville strongly opposed, arguing instead that effective strategy should take precedence. He suggested firing staffers responsible for decisions he deemed counterproductive.

Donor Fatigue Threatens Future Fundraising

The aftermath of Harris' campaign has left Democratic fundraisers concerned about long-term implications for the party. Carville warned that the fallout from the 2024 election cycle has severely damaged donor confidence, making future fundraising efforts more challenging.

"The resistance is going to have trouble raising money," Carville cautioned, citing widespread donor dissatisfaction. He described the damage to the Democratic brand as "almost unfathomable."

This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the party about rebuilding trust and addressing organizational issues before the next election cycle.

Calls For Reform Intensify

The controversy surrounding Harris' campaign has amplified calls for structural reform within the Democratic Party. Proposals such as Zogby's oversight committee aim to improve financial accountability and transparency.

Carville emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes, urging party leaders to adopt a more pragmatic approach to future campaigns. His comments highlight a growing consensus that reform is necessary to restore confidence among voters and donors alike.

As the Democratic Party reflects on its 2024 presidential bid, the financial and strategic missteps of Harris’ campaign serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Whether these lessons will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen.