Former Vice President Kamala Harris was unable to say who the current leader of the Democratic Party was in an interview with Stephen Colbert — leaving even the lefty talk show host exasperated.
“The Late Show” host asked Harris — who announced this week she would not be running for governor of California next year — to identify who she believes is in the driver’s seat for her party.
Kamala Harris refused to give a straight answer to Colbert’s question about who is leading the Democratic Party. CBS via Getty Images
“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert asked Harris — who announced this week she would not be running for governor of California next year — to identify who she believes is in the driver’s seat for her party. CBSBut Harris balked at the simple question and refused to name a single Democrat.
“There are lots of leaders,” she said.
Colbert, who wasn’t satisfied with the answer, pressed her, asserting there’s “generally a leader” of the party and asking again if any names came to mind.
Colbert, who wasn’t satisfied with the answer, pressed her, asserting there’s “generally a leader” of the party and asking again if any names came to mind. CBSHarris wouldn’t budge.
“I think there are a lot — I’m not going to go through names because then I’m going to leave somebody out and then I’m going to hear about it,” she said.
Kamala Harris relaxes at home. CBS“But let me just say this. I think it is a mistake for us who want to figure out how to get … through this and get out of it to put it on the shoulders of any one person. It’s really on all our shoulders,” she added.
Still, Harris wouldn’t budge. CBS via Getty Images
The soon-to-be-axed talk show host then swiftly ended the nearly half-hour interview.
Democrats Harris could have named include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who were both able to muster double-digit support from Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters in an early 2028 presidential primary poll.
The soon-to-be-axed talk show host then swiftly ended the nearly half-hour interview. CBSOther top-ranking congressional Democrats she could have named are Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Critics on social media pounced on the exchange, ridiculing Harris for her non-answer.
Kamala Harris holding her book, “107 Days.” X/Kamala Harris“Well, he exposed them,” one person highlighted on X.
“Translation: you’re a moron. She’s clearly stating there is no ‘leader,’” another wrote.
“‘A lot of leaders’ is a fun way to say ‘leaderless,’” a third jabbed.
Other top-ranking congressional Democrats she could have named are Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). CBS via Getty ImagesMeanwhile, others chided the interview as “just another serving of her usual word soup.”
Harris’ appearance on Colbert’s canceled late-night talk show was her eighth on the program ahead of the release of her book, “107 Days,” which she described as a “behind-the-scenes sharing of what it means to run for president.”
