In an exclusive segment from her interview on Late Night with Stephen Colbert, Vice President Kamala Harris reflected on the joy and collective strength that fueled her campaign, emphasizing the importance of resilience and hope in the face of current challenges, and urging Americans not to let adversity defeat their spirit or belief in a better future.

In an exclusive extended cut of her interview on Late Night with Stephen Colbert, aired on July 31, 2025, Vice President Kamala Harris shared poignant reflections on the contrasting emotions between the enthusiasm of her campaign and the current political climate.

The segment, which did not make it to the televised broadcast, revealed Harris’s deep insights into the collective spirit of the American people and their unwavering hope for the future.

As the conversation unfolded, Colbert prompted Harris to consider the joy and excitement that fueled her campaign, a stark contrast to the challenges currently facing the nation.

Harris’s response was both powerful and heartfelt, emphasizing the enduring strength and love that she believes exists within the American populace.

“What I look back at is how people realize the commonality and collective strength and collective love of our country,” she began, her voice resonating with passion.

“We love our country. And the thing about that experience is exactly what propels me to think about this moment and the future and not look back too much.”

Harris acknowledged that while the political landscape has shifted, the same supporters who rallied behind her during her campaign continue to embody joy and optimism.

“Those same people—they are still here,” she asserted. “They still know joy in their hearts. They still know how to have a sense of optimism, faith, and in the future and to believe and to fight for that.

And that hasn’t gone away.” Her words served as a reminder that despite the difficulties faced, the spirit of hope remains alive among the people.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, urging listeners to maintain their belief in positive change.

“I just think it’s really important that we never let a circumstance, situation, or person defeat our spirit,” Harris stated firmly. “You can’t let that happen.

You can’t give up your belief in what can be and what can be better.” This message of perseverance resonated deeply, reflecting her own experiences following the tumultuous election period.

Harris recounted the challenging day after the election, describing it as “a rough bleeping day” for her. She recalled the significance of her speech delivered the following day, which aimed to inspire hope and determination among her supporters.

“It was important to me in that speech I gave the next day after the election to remind people to not give up,” she explained, highlighting her commitment to uplifting those around her.

Throughout the interview, Harris remained acutely aware of the joy and enthusiasm that characterized her campaign, attributing it not only to her candidacy but to the collective spirit of the American people.

“I am so aware of the joy that was there and the hope and the enthusiasm,” she reflected. ”

And I just think we have to remember that it was not just a candidate that gave that. It came from the people who naturally have that.”

In a passionate call to action, Harris urged citizens to remain vigilant and engaged in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. “This election cannot take that away, but let’s be clear-eyed about it,” she stated, acknowledging the challenges that persist.

“That is why people are taking to the streets, people are organizing, and people are talking to each other and talking about the issues.

They are articulating what we know is wrong and what it should be.”

Harris’s message was clear: despite the obstacles, it is crucial not to succumb to defeatism. “So let’s just not be defeated, right. Let’s just not be defeated,” she concluded, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and determination.

The segment, while not aired on television, encapsulated the Vice President’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the American spirit amidst adversity.

Her reflections serve as a reminder of the collective strength that can be harnessed when individuals come together in pursuit of a common goal.

As the nation continues to navigate complex challenges, Harris’s words resonate as a call for resilience and unity, inspiring citizens to believe in a brighter future for all.