Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, recently broke new ground on late-night television by cracking open a can of Miller High Life with Stephen Colbert on his show, The Late Show. This encounter was notable not just for the beer but also for its warm atmosphere, serving as both entertainment and platform for serious discussion amid her presidential campaign.
The Vice President appeared cheerful as Colbert welcomed her back to the show, marking her first late-night appearance since she accepted the Democratic nomination back in August. It was part of her broader media tour aimed at reaching younger voters and rallying enthusiasm for her campaign.
After a day filled with media interviews, Harris settled onto the set situated in New York's famed Ed Sullivan Theater. "The last time I had beer was at a baseball game with Doug [Emhoff]," Harris said, referring to her husband, as she took the Miller High Life offered by Colbert. With laughter bubbling up, she echoed the beer’s playful slogan: "the champagne of beers," immediately setting the tone of camaraderie necessary for appealing to the average voter.
Colbert made light of the situation, mentioning how this could appeal to the electorate's desire for relatable candidates with whom they could share casual moments. He jokingly suggested, “Elections are won on vibes,” hinting at the age-old adage about wanting to have someone you can have a beer with. This approach aims to resonate with voters engaged by personality as much as policy.
During their chat, the conversation shifted gears as they delved deeply, covering weighty matters like the tumultuous aftermath of the recent Hamas attacks and the complex dynamics involving Donald Trump. Harris did not hold back her criticism of Trump, particularly concerning revelations from journalist Bob Woodward’s new book, War, which alleges Trump had private phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin during and after his presidency, even sending Covid testing kits to Russia during the pandemic when Americans struggled to get access to testing and resources.
“He openly admires dictators and authoritarians,” Harris stated bluntly, commenting on Trump’s relationship with such leaders. “He has said he wants to be a dictator on Day One if he were elected again as president.” This clear statement underscored her campaign's focus on distinguishing herself sharply from Trump, who continues to be influential among his supporters.
Harris called for the United States to prioritize its allies, asserting the importance of standing with nations like Ukraine against Russian aggression. “The commander-in-chief of the United States of America must stand strong and defend the principles we hold dear. We should strengthen the alliances we have, such as NATO,” she insisted, demonstrating her commitment to foreign policy agendas.
The Vice President’s media blitz, which also included appearances on platforms like The View and Howard Stern's SiriusXM Radio, is particularly strategic as she attempts to revive her campaign and engage voters more personally. During the interview on The View, Harris expressed her desire to expand Medicare for home care, aiming to warm up to senior voters and their families.
Reflecting on the chaotic dynamics of the current presidential race, Harris acknowledged the substantial campaigning she still has before her. Having faced the challenges posed by media perception and her opponent’s prolonged presence on the campaign trail, she said, “There’s a lot of catching up to do. Folks are ready to turn the page.” Her quirky charm during the interview lightened the tone, but her message remained clear: she is ready for battle.
Colbert also took the opportunity to tackle trending topics, including the impact of misinformation surrounding natural disasters. This provides the audience with insights beyond mere political banter, showing the Vice President’s awareness of current events and their potential consequences. Harris nodded along, agreeing with Colbert’s assessment of the dangerous effects of fake news spread through social media.
This casual yet impactful exchange demonstrates Harris’s intent to leverage media engagement not only for humor but as a vehicle for policy discussion, confronting figures like Trump, and articulately voicing important stances on national and global issues. The blend of personality with political content aims to resonate well with the electorate.
After her amusing take on music preferences—which veered toward legends such as Aretha Franklin and Eminem as opposed to Bob Seger, who Colbert had suggested—Harris remarked, “This is what happens when I drink beer,” inducing yet another wave of laughter as they wrapped up the segment. This lighthearted moment helps to soften her political image, creating accessibility for those less inclined to follow the harsher angles of current campaign politics.
Following this lively discussion, Harris went on to praise Maya Rudolph’s satire of her on Saturday Night Live, showcasing her ability to take humor lightheartedly and effectively engage with pop culture references to connect with younger voters.
Harris's appearance wrapped up with encouragement for the audience to stay engaged with their local news sources and officials, particularly amid turbulent times. The Vice President’s return to late-night television via The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was both refreshing and strategic, marking her as not just another politician but as one who can blend policy discussion with accessibility and authenticity.
The interview, set to air at 11:35 p.m. ET, is expected to capture broad attention, bringing much-needed visibility to Harris’s campaign as she steps up her outreach leading toward the elections. Although the competition is fierce, Harris’s lively dialogue combined with her serious undertones offers voters hope for more engaging and responsible politics.
