“She may not want to run for governor of the state of California. That may not be where she should be going,” Brown told Slavet. “I think it’s going to be difficult for her to win that job.”

For Harris — who has served as a district attorney, attorney general of California, U.S. senator, and vice president — the comments land as both a personal and political jolt. Coming from someone who has been both a mentor and, decades ago, a romantic partner, Brown’s remarks carry more weight than the average pundit’s speculation.

A Mentor’s Perspective

Slavet, recounting his discussion with Brown during an appearance on Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson’s program, described the elder statesman as still sharp and candid at