In a lively appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on October 8, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris made headlines by cracking open a cold beer and declaring that, if elected in November 2024, she would become the first U.S. president in eight years to enjoy a pint. The moment, blending casual charm with political gravitas, underscored Harris’s effort to connect with voters as a relatable figure while addressing serious issues ahead of the presidential election. At 800 words, this article delves into the significance of her appearance, her candid remarks, and the broader context of her campaign strategy.
Harris, the Democratic nominee, joined Colbert in a 40-minute interview that ranged from lighthearted banter to pointed critiques of her opponent, former President Donald Trump. The beer-drinking moment came early in the segment, setting a relaxed tone. As Colbert offered her a can from Milwaukee, Wisconsin—a nod to a critical battleground state—Harris accepted with a smile, taking a sip on air. “The last time I had a beer was at a baseball game with Doug,” she said, referring to her husband, Doug Emhoff. The gesture was more than a photo op; it distinguished Harris from both Trump and President Joe Biden, neither of whom consume alcohol. “If I win, I’ll be the first president in a while who likes a beer,” she quipped, drawing cheers from the audience.
The Milwaukee reference was strategic. Wisconsin, one of seven swing states pivotal to the 2024 election, has a rich brewing history and a culture where a shared drink resonates. Political analysts noted that Harris’s choice to drink on air was a calculated move to appeal to working-class voters in the Midwest, where her campaign has focused heavily. “It’s a small but effective way to humanize her,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a political communications expert. “Voters in battleground states like Wisconsin value authenticity, and this moment cuts through the polished image of a typical candidate.”
Beyond the beer, Harris used the platform to deliver sharp criticisms of Trump, particularly in light of revelations from journalist Bob Woodward’s latest book. Woodward alleges that Trump, after leaving office, maintained seven phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and secretly sent COVID-19 test kits to Russia in 2020, at a time when Americans faced shortages. Harris seized on this, telling Colbert: “He thinks Putin is his friend. What about the American people? They should have been the priority.” Her remarks echoed growing concerns about Trump’s foreign ties, especially as he has denied the allegations. The exchange highlighted Harris’s strategy of portraying Trump as out of touch with ordinary Americans, a theme central to her campaign.
The interview wasn’t all about attacks. Harris addressed pressing global issues, notably the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. With conviction, she called for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release agreement. “This war must end,” she declared, recounting her meetings with families of hostages and Palestinian victims in Gaza. “We need a deal, and we won’t give up.” Her comments reflect the Biden administration’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, though they also signal her attempt to appeal to progressive voters concerned about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The balance—empathy for both sides while advocating for peace—underscored her nuanced approach to a divisive issue.
Harris’s appearance on The Late Show is part of a broader media blitz in the final weeks before the election. In recent days, she has featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes, the Call Her Daddy podcast, The View, and Howard Stern’s radio show. This multi-platform strategy aims to reach diverse audiences, from young women to older, politically engaged viewers. “She’s everywhere right now,” noted political strategist Mark Reynolds. “By mixing high-profile interviews with pop culture moments like drinking a beer with Colbert, she’s casting a wide net.” The approach contrasts with Trump’s reliance on rallies and conservative media, highlighting Harris’s adaptability in a fragmented media landscape.
The beer moment also sparked online chatter. On X, supporters praised her relatability, with one user posting: “Kamala drinking a beer on TV? That’s my kind of president!” Critics, however, dismissed it as a stunt, with some accusing her of pandering. “She’s trying too hard to be ‘one of us,’” read one comment. Regardless, the viral clip has racked up millions of views, amplifying her campaign’s reach.
As the election nears, Harris’s ability to blend humor, policy, and personality will be critical. Her Late Show appearance showcased her knack for connecting on a human level while reinforcing her campaign’s core messages: competence, empathy, and a clear contrast with Trump. With polls showing a tight race in battleground states like Wisconsin, every moment counts. Whether it’s sipping a beer or calling for global peace, Harris is making her case to voters one appearance at a time.
