Kamala Harris made a guest appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Thursday night, following the announcement of her upcoming memoir titled “107 Days,” which will focus on the 2024 presidential election.
During the show, Colbert questioned Harris about her decision not to run for governor of California, speculating if she had other political aspirations. Harris denied any intention of seeking another office, expressing her belief that the current political system is flawed and in need of significant reform.
“I always believed that our democracy and systems would protect our fundamental principles, but right now, they are not as robust as they should be,” Harris stated. She emphasized her desire to engage with people across the country, listening to their concerns and engaging in meaningful conversations rather than solely seeking votes.
Despite her criticisms of the system, Harris clarified that she remains committed to fighting for change. Colbert, probing further, asked if she was considering stepping back from the political arena, to which Harris responded emphatically, “Absolutely not. I’m always gonna be part of the fight.”
The timing of Harris’ appearance on “The Late Show” coincides with CBS’s controversial decision to cancel the long-running program. The network cited financial reasons for ending the show, which is set to conclude its 11-season run in May 2026. However, critics have suggested that the decision may have been politically motivated, aimed at appeasing former President Donald Trump and facilitating FCC approval for Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media.
Just prior to the show’s cancellation, Paramount Global reached a $16 million settlement with Trump over a lawsuit regarding the editing of an interview with Harris on “60 Minutes.”
In response to the show’s impending end, Colbert and his guests engaged in a lighthearted parody of a viral Coldplay kiss-cam video, featuring various late-night hosts and celebrities.
Colbert addressed the uncertainty surrounding the show’s closure, emphasizing his desire to provide viewers with a sense of positivity and happiness. He introduced musical guests “Weird Al” Yankovic and Lin-Manuel Miranda to uplift the audience with a performance.
The episode also featured appearances from other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, John Oliver, and Jon Stewart. Jimmy Kimmel took to Instagram to express his support for Colbert while also criticizing CBS.
Stewart, in a bold statement, called out CBS and Paramount, using a gospel choir to deliver a powerful message of defiance and resistance.
Overall, Harris’ appearance on “The Late Show” served as a platform for discussing important political issues, while the show’s impending cancellation sparked both humor and reflection within the late-night television landscape.
