In the MOST amount of words possible, Kamala Harris admits President Trump BROKE her, which is why she doesn’t want to run for Governor of California.
“The system’s broken… so I don’t wanna go back into the system.”
Colbert: “You made an announcement that you’re not running for the Governor of California.”
Kamala Harris: “Correct.”
Colbert: “Even though in early polling you beat every other candidate by double digits, you said you’re going to sit this one out. Why are you sitting this out? Are you setting yourself for a different office that might be—”
Kamala Harris: “No, no, no. That’s what everybody, obviously.”
Colbert: “Obviously people project onto your hopes and dreams.”
Kamala Harris: “No, I understand. And honestly, it’s more straightforward than that. I am, listen, I am a devout public servant. I have spent my entire career in service of the people. And I thought a lot about running for Governor. I love my state, I love California. I’ve served as District Attorney, Attorney General, and Senator. But to be very candid with you, I… you know, when I was young in my career, I had to defend my decision to become a prosecutor with my family. And one of the points that I made is, why is it that when we think we want to improve a system or change it, we’re always on the outside on bended knee trying to break down the door? Shouldn’t we also be inside the system? And that has been my career. And recently, I made the decision that I just, for now, I don’t want to go back in the system. I think it’s broken.”
Colbert: “Well, I’ve got to say, I want to talk about the book, but just to go back to what you just said, I have to say, as someone who is very qualified for the presidency, a Senator, Attorney General of California, a Vice President of the United States, and then a very hopeful and dynamic presidential candidate for the hundred and seven days that you had to run, to hear you say that it’s broken, to hear you say that our systems aren’t strong enough is harrowing.”
Kamala Harris: “Well, but it’s also evident, isn’t it?”
Colbert: “No, it is. It is harrowing.”
Kamala Harris: “And it is, and it is. But it doesn’t mean we give up. That’s not my point.”
Colbert: “Okay, because that’s what I’m hearing, like you don’t want to be part of the fight anymore.”
Kamala Harris: “No, absolutely not. I am always going to be part of the fight. That is not going to change. I am absolutely going to be part of the fight.”
Kamala Harris: “But I think that we have to acknowledge and agree that, I mean, look, the power is with the people. That has always been the ideal strength of our nation, of America – that we believe fundamentally the power is with the people. And we the people.”
Kamala Harris: “And I believe right now that it is important to do what I can do from the positions that I have held and what I have seen about the world and our country to get out there and remind everyone who needs reminding right now of their power. It is our government. It is our country. And it is important, I think, that in this moment where people have become so deflated, and despondent, and afraid, that those of us who have the ability, which I do right now – not being in an office where I’m campaigning for that office – to be out there and to talk with folks and remind them of their power and their importance in making a difference.”
Kamala Harris: “I mean, I just want to put a fine point on this: you can never let anybody take your power from you. You can never let anybody take your power from you. And that’s what I think, for me, that’s what I’d like to remind folks.”