In a recent episode of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert welcomed back Vice President Kamala Harris, a prominent figure in American politics. The audience erupted in applause as she entered, setting the stage for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. Colbert greeted her warmly, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, my guest tonight was Vice President of the United States. Please welcome her back to the Late Show, Vice President Kamala Harris.”

A Warm Reunion

After the applause subsided, Colbert immediately complimented Harris, noting, “First of all, you look rested.” Harris smiled back, responding, “It’s great to be here.” Colbert’s lighthearted remark, “I’m happy for you,” elicited laughter from the audience, highlighting the friendly atmosphere of the show.

As they began to catch up, Colbert inquired about Harris’s well-being since leaving office. “How you doing?” he asked. Harris replied, “Well, I’m fine. I’ll get plenty of rest in June,” hinting at her busy schedule ahead.

Breaking Away from Politics

Colbert leaned in, intrigued by Harris’s decision to step away from the political spotlight. He asked, “Once you left office, how long before you turned on the news again?” Harris, known for her humor, responded candidly, “Months. I’m just not into self-mutilation. I just… lots of cooking shows. Great British Bake Off and stuff like that.” The audience chuckled, and Harris added, “The kitchen is one of my favorites. Amazing.”

A Personal Touch: Harris Talks About Doug

Shifting gears, Colbert asked about Harris’s husband, Doug, prompting curiosity from the audience. “How’s Doug?” he inquired. Harris responded warmly, “He’s really well. He’s back practicing law and he’s great. Thank you for asking.” Colbert, with his signature humor, interjected, “For a second, I thought you said he’s backpacking.” Harris joked back, “Oh well, he’s in the Himalayas. He hasn’t turned on the news yet either,” drawing laughter from the crowd.

Reflecting on January 6th

The conversation then turned serious as they discussed the events of January 6, 2025, when Harris was responsible for certifying the electoral votes. Colbert acknowledged the significance of that day, thanking her for fulfilling her constitutional duty. Harris nodded, reflecting on the weight of the moment. “It was a difficult day, no question about it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of her role and the responsibilities that came with it.

Colbert asked a more candid question, “At any point as you’re counting, did you think, ‘Anybody want to storm the Capitol? Anybody?’” The crowd chuckled, but Harris responded sincerely, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “I was fully aware of what that moment required, not just of me, but of our country,” she explained, highlighting the historical significance of her actions that day.

Running for Governor: Harris Decides to Sit Out

Colbert then shifted the topic to Harris’s decision regarding the California governor’s race, asking why she chose not to run despite favorable polling. “You said you’re sitting this one out. Why? Are you saving yourself for a different office?” he probed. Harris smiled and shook her head, explaining, “Honestly, people project their hopes onto you, but it’s more basic than that. I am a devout public servant, and I’ve spent my career serving the people. But right now, I don’t want to go back into the system. It’s broken, and there’s so much more we need to do outside of it.”

She emphasized the fragility of democracy and the need for stronger systems, expressing her desire to engage with people directly rather than seeking their votes. “I want to go out, listen to people, and remind them of their power—not ask for their vote,” she stated.

Lessons from the 107 Days Campaign

The discussion then turned to her brief presidential campaign, which lasted only 107 days. Colbert asked what surprised her about that short-lived experience. Harris reflected on the intensity of the campaign and the diverse individuals she encountered. “It was intense, but what was incredibly beautiful was seeing people from different walks of life come together. The commonality and the collective strength were reaffirming. We can’t let our spirits be defeated,” she said.

Addressing Political Discontent

As the conversation progressed, Colbert brought up the national mood and growing political discontent. “What do you think about where we are now, with people feeling deflated and despondent?” he asked. Harris responded with determination, insisting, “We cannot give up on what can be better. Our government is for the people. We the people, and we need to remind them of that power.” Her words served as a rallying cry for hope and action.

Closing Thoughts: A Call to Action

Colbert concluded the interview by asking about the state of leadership within the Democratic Party. Harris answered with clarity, stating, “There are many leaders in the party, but we all need to recognize that it’s not about one person. It’s on all of our shoulders.”

With a smile, she added, “You can never let anybody take your power from you.” As the interview wrapped up, Colbert expressed his admiration for Harris’s upcoming book, 107 Days, set to release on September 23rd. The conversation left viewers inspired, underscoring themes of resilience, hope, and the ongoing fight for democracy. Harris’s candid reflections and humor provided a refreshing insight into her life and the challenges facing the nation today.