Kamala Harris Calls US System 'Broken' In First Post-Election Interview With Stephen Colbert

Last Updated:August 01, 2025, 17:36 IST

Harris also took a moment to commend former President Joe Biden.

Harris’ appearance on The Late Show coincided with announcement of the upcoming release of her memoir (Instagram Image)

Kamala Harris has put an end to growing speculation regarding her potential candidacy in the 2026 California gubernatorial race. In an official statement released on July 30, Harris made it clear that she will not be running for governor. Her decision sparked fresh debate about whether she might instead be preparing for a presidential bid in 2028. However, Harris put those rumours to rest during her recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Thursday night, where she opened up about US democracy and her political future.

Addressing the growing buzz around her intentions, Harris was unequivocal. When asked about her political plans going forward, she stated plainly, “No. I don’t want to go back in the system. I think it’s broken." Her blunt assessment of the current state of American democracy caught the attention of both the public and Colbert, who expressed concern at hearing such a statement from someone so deeply involved in government. Harris elaborated on her position, saying, “I always believed that as fragile as our democracy is, our systems would be strong enough to defend our most fundamental principles. And I think, right now, that they’re not as strong as they need to be."

While Harris expressed disillusionment with the system, she was careful not to suggest disengagement from political life. “I am always going to be part of the fight," she emphasised, suggesting that her commitment to democratic values and public service remains, even if she does not plan to seek elected office in the near future.

This marked Harris’ first televised interview since her defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Reflecting on that outcome, she admitted, “I didn’t predict that; I did not see that coming," particularly referencing the extent of political capitulation that followed Trump’s return to power.

Harris also took a moment to commend former President Joe Biden. “I have an incredible amount of respect for him. We had a President who believed in the rule of law, who believed in the importance of aspiring to have integrity, and to do the work on behalf of the people," she said.

Harris’ appearance on The Late Show coincided with another major announcement: the upcoming release of her memoir, 107 Days, which chronicles her experience during the 2024 presidential campaign. In an Instagram post revealing the book, she wrote, “Behind every speech I gave, hand I shook, and story I told on the road, there were deeper layers, quiet reflections, and lessons learned."

The full interview was posted online on Thursday on the YouTube channel for the show.

Location :

New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 01, 2025, 17:36 IST

News world Kamala Harris Calls US System 'Broken' In First Post-Election Interview With Stephen Colbert

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