As Stephen Colbert’s time on “The Late Show” nears its end, his recent choices of guests seem to reflect a desire to leave a memorable, albeit awkward, mark. Among the guests gracing his stage are political figures like Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Adam Schiff, along with Hollywood names such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Liam Neeson, who have not shied away from sparking controversies on social media. Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance, although her upcoming memoir isn’t due for release for a couple of months, raising questions about the timing of her visit.
Harris’s interview on the show has stirred curiosity, notably for her comments on her political future. When asked about her plans for the presidency in 2028, Harris only hinted at stepping away from the race, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. “Recently I made the decision that I just, for now, I don’t want to go back in the system,” she told Colbert, adding that she believes the system is “broken.”
Colbert appeared to agree with Harris’s sentiment, calling the situation “harrowing.” Harris lamented the fragility of democracy and expressed disappointment in the electoral outcomes that favored Republican candidates. This perspective aligns with her belief that the system fails when it doesn’t support her party’s candidates, further deepening the divide in political discourse.
Kamala Harris runs through her resume of being a devout public servant with Stephen Colbert, but fails to mention how she got her start as a “devout public servant” by dating Willie Brown while he was married and he appointed her to multiple state commissions that paid 6 figures. pic.twitter.com/yQYQaywcnZ
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) August 1, 2025
The conversation also touched on the judicial landscape, with Harris praising Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s dissenting opinions. Harris lauded Jackson, along with Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, for their efforts to uphold what she sees as the true essence of democracy and the rule of law. Despite her praise, some critics, such as Eric Daugherty, have questioned Jackson’s understanding of certain cases, suggesting a lack of judicial clarity.
Harris’s political journey has been marked by her role as the border czar under President Biden, a position that brought its own set of challenges and criticisms. Her tenure in this role has faced scrutiny for its perceived ineffectiveness in addressing the root causes of border issues. As speculation about her potential gubernatorial run in California fizzled, Harris seems to be stepping back from electoral ambitions, at least for now.
Colbert and Harris’s shared view on the state of democracy reflects a broader narrative of disenchantment with the current political system. Their dialogue underscores a belief that the system is only functional when it aligns with their ideological perspectives. This notion perpetuates a cycle of blame directed at voters and political opponents whenever electoral outcomes do not favor their side.
The interview highlighted the persistent divide between political ideologies and the challenges of bridging these gaps in a hyper-partisan environment. Harris’s appearance on “The Late Show” served as a platform to voice her frustrations and share her vision, albeit with a focus on grievances rather than solutions. This approach, while resonating with some, may alienate others who seek more constructive dialogue.
As Harris continues to navigate her political path, her comments and actions remain under scrutiny from both supporters and critics. Her tenure as Vice President and her potential future endeavors will likely be watched closely, shaping her legacy in American politics. Colbert’s platform, though comedic in nature, provides a stage for these discussions, illustrating the intersection of entertainment and political discourse.
In the realm of late-night television, Colbert’s choices of guests and topics reflect a particular ideological bent, appealing to a specific audience while potentially alienating others. His show, much like his comedic style, blends satire with pointed political commentary, a formula that has both fans and detractors. As his tenure on “The Late Show” concludes, the legacy he leaves will be shaped by these moments of political theater.
While Harris’s political future remains uncertain, her recent media appearances suggest a continued influence in shaping the discourse within her party. Her vocal criticisms of the current system and her advocacy for her ideological beliefs position her as a prominent figure in ongoing political debates. Whether she will translate this influence into future candidacies remains to be seen.
The dynamics of political interviews on platforms like “The Late Show” highlight the interplay between media, politics, and public perception. Harris’s conversation with Colbert serves as a microcosm of the broader political landscape, illustrating the challenges and complexities faced by public figures in navigating their roles. As viewers digest these interactions, the impact on public opinion and political engagement continues to evolve.
Colbert’s approach to hosting political figures often involves a mixture of humor and critique, a style that resonates with some while provoking criticism from others. His interactions with guests like Harris offer insights into the current political climate, providing a snapshot of the tensions and alliances shaping American politics. As his show draws to a close, the influence of these discussions will linger.
Graduate Student, wife, engaged political and legal writer.