Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, has been making waves lately with her appearances on late-night talk shows, blending serious political discourse with light-hearted banter and even beer drinking. Her recent stint on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert showcased this unique approach, particularly as the election season heats up and voters are poised to make significant decisions at the polls.
Harris kicked off her media blitz with CBS's 60 Minutes, where she shared the screen with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, illustrating the Biden administration’s priorities as the country heads toward the 2024 presidential election. This media strategy seems deliberate, as Harris aims to connect with voters through various platforms—from established news outlets to trending podcasts and late-night comedy shows, underscoring her commitment to engaging with the electorate directly.
During her recent visit to Colbert's show, the Vice President embodied the adage of being relatable to the average voter. Right from the top, Colbert cracked jokes about sharing a brew with her. He even referenced the quintessential question posed to politicians: Would you grab a drink with them? Harris, playing along beautifully, opted for the "Champagne of Beers,” not just to quench her thirst, but to symbolize her roots as she hails from California—a state known for its rich brewing culture.
Following the light-hearted introduction, the conversation took on more serious tones. Colbert asked Harris about former President Donald Trump’s continued denial of losing the 2020 election. Harris responded, drawing on economic metrics to support her claim, stating, "When you lost millions of jobs, you lost manufacturing, you lost automotive plants, you lost the election. What does this make you? A loser." Her candidness brought bursts of laughter from the audience, indicating her ability to connect humor with impactful commentary.
Apart from the jokes and beers, Harris didn’t shy away from addressing serious allegations against Trump. She spoke up about claims made by journalist Bob Woodward, alleging Trump sent COVID-19 testing machines to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the pandemic, which Harris stated underscored Trump's admiration for autocrats. "He openly admires dictators and authoritarians... He gets played by these guys, and what about the American people? They should be your first friend," she emphasized, highlighting the deep-rooted issues of prioritization and loyalty to Americans by their leaders.
Interestingly, this episode followed Trump’s public relations misstep of backing out of his scheduled 60 Minutes interview. It’s suggested he avoided it due to fears of being fact-checked. Scott Pelley, the 60 Minutes correspondent, noted how the Trump campaign provided multiple changing explanations for the withdrawal, which only fueled speculation about the former president’s hesitations as voters discern his intentions.
Colbert tactfully combined humor with pointed political critique by spoofing the 60 Minutes opening, where he expressed his disappointment at Trump's absence. He stated, "We also invited former President Donald Trump to go f*k himself. He declined our offer," setting the comedic tone for Harris’s appearance, and simultaneously emphasizing the difference between the two candidates’ openness to media engagement.
Harris’s evening with Colbert not only showcased her adept mastery of engaging diverse audiences but also painted her as more than the VP; she is positioning herself as relatable and approachable—qualities many voters seek. Her strategy doesn’t just rest on humor but also emphasizes her policies and intent to work for the American populace.
The VP has also been visibly active on other platforms, highlighting her adaptability. A standout was her candid discussion on Call Her Daddy*, where Harris presented her views on reproductive rights and student loan forgiveness, demonstrating her commitment to women's issues—a pivotal demographic as we approach the elections. The podcast format presents her ideas through the lens of pop culture, potentially reaching those who are disengaged from traditional political dialogues.
It’s evident this media spree is calculated, especially as Harris has taken on roles traditionally reserved for candidates at the top of the ticket. Her choice to consistently appear on platforms known for their accessibility resonates with the demands of modern media engagement. Strategically, this puts her front and center, showcasing her prowess as both politician and member of the Biden administration.
Yet, the backdrop of these appearances remains turbulent. Harris must walk the delicate balance of capitalizing on her media visibility without detracting from the responsibilities of her office, especially as the nation braces for the upcoming elections, where polarized views on Trump will loom large.
Aside from political stakes, the current media narrative also bears important social ramifications. The conversations surrounding Trump’s influence, the health crisis management during his power, and Harris’s subsequent critiques reveal the persistent shadows of the past administration, and their consequences continue to be felt deeply across the nation.
Between the discussions over beers with Colbert and the sharp criticisms of Trump’s actions during and after his administration, Harris’s late-night talk show appearances resonate deeply with messages of accountability, relatability, and engagement as pivotal pillars of her political identity.
Kamala Harris’s appearances come at a time when America stands at crossroads, where each interaction forms threads likely to influence the upcoming elections. Whether those threads will weave together a story favorable to Harris and the Democrats remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—she has firmly planted herself within the narrative, ensuring her voice is both heard and felt.
