Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her first major media appearance since the 2024 election Thursday night, sitting down with Stephen Colbert on CBS’s The Late Show. The appearance, intended to promote her forthcoming memoir 107 Days, was marked by awkward laughter, evasive answers, and continued speculation about her political future.
Harris’ new book, set for release in September, chronicles her short-lived 2024 presidential campaign, which ended in a decisive loss to Donald Trump. In the interview, Harris joked about “personal stuff” in the book, laughing uncontrollably when recounting how her husband, Doug Emhoff, allegedly forgot her birthday during the campaign. “You have to read the book,” she said through laughter. Colbert, whose show is slated for cancellation due to CBS budget cuts, attempted to steer the conversation toward more substantive topics — with limited success.
When asked directly who is leading the Democratic Party, Harris declined to name anyone, saying, “There are so many names… I’m not going to go through names because then I’m going to leave somebody out and I’m going to hear about it,” in what was widely considered to be a deflection.
Colbert pressed further, noting that political parties typically have a clear leader. Harris avoided specifics again, stating, “It is a mistake… to put it on the shoulders of any one person. It’s really on all of our shoulders.” The lack of a direct answer drew criticism from commentators who noted that the party remains in disarray following a major electoral defeat and ongoing internal divisions.
Colbert also referenced a recent Senate floor speech by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), who criticized his own party for “capitulating” to Trump’s agenda. Harris agreed, saying she did not expect “the rollover” from fellow Democrats during Trump’s return to power. “I didn’t see that coming,” she said.
Perhaps most notably, Harris used the interview to confirm that she would not seek the governorship of California, citing disillusionment with politics. Despite having spent nearly two decades in elected office — including as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President — Harris said she believes “the system” is “broken.”
“I just don’t want to go back in the system,” she told Colbert. “I think it’s broken… I want to travel the country. I want to listen to people. I don’t want it to be transactional.”
Harris emphasized that her criticism wasn’t directed at public servants like teachers or first responders, but at a political system she now sees as dysfunctional. Colbert called her tone “harrowing” and questioned whether she was giving up on political leadership, to which Harris responded, “I am absolutely going to be part of the fight.”
Though Harris did not rule out a 2028 presidential run, her comments and demeanor left many wondering about her next move. Political analysts have expressed skepticism about a potential comeback, citing her high-profile loss, underwhelming campaign performance, and unpopularity among key Democratic donors.
Adding to her political challenges is a growing narrative that her post-vice-presidency resurgence may not be well received. NewsNation contributor Chris Cillizza warned Thursday that Harris’ return to the spotlight “reminds voters of a bad period” for the Democratic Party, at a time when it is struggling to recover and redefine its message.
Critics have pointed out that her campaign burned through over $1.5 billion on interviews, travel, and celebrity appearances — with little electoral success to show for it.
Whether Harris’ book tour signals a soft relaunch of her national profile or simply a farewell to high office remains unclear. For now, she remains a prominent but divisive figure within her party — and one who appears unsure of where she fits into its future.
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