Kamala Harris Tells BBC She’s ‘Not Done’ and May Run for President Again

In her first UK interview since the 2024 US presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris spoke candidly with Laura Kuenssberg on BBC’s “Sunday,” reflecting on her whirlwind campaign, the challenges she faced, and her future ambitions—including a possible run for president in 2028.

Reflecting on a Historic Campaign

Harris described her 107-day campaign as a “roller coaster” and “thriller,” emphasizing its unprecedented nature: “We had a president running for reelection who decided not to run three and a half months before the election. The sitting vice president then takes up the mantle, running against a former president who’d been campaigning for 10 years—with just 107 days to go.” She underscored the historical significance of the race, noting it was the closest presidential election in the 21st century.

While Harris accepted responsibility for her campaign’s outcome, she acknowledged that the abrupt timing and unique circumstances limited her ability to connect with voters and fully communicate her vision. “The buck stops with me in terms of my campaign,” Harris said, “but we needed more time.”

Biden’s Withdrawal and Its Impact

Harris addressed speculation about President Biden’s late withdrawal from the race, clarifying that she and Biden never directly discussed his frailty or the possibility of him stepping down. She distinguished between the capacity to serve as president and the stamina required for a grueling campaign, expressing concern about the latter. “I was concerned about his ability to run for reelection given what the campaign would require,” Harris admitted, reflecting on whether she should have urged Biden to step aside earlier.

Pressed on whether she might have won if Biden had exited sooner, Harris refused to speculate but reiterated, “107 days was clearly not enough time.”

Connecting with Voters—and Where Democrats Fell Short

Harris acknowledged the Democratic Party’s ongoing struggle to connect with key voter groups, including Gen Z and Latino voters, some of whom shifted to Trump. “For probably a decade, Democrats have been losing certain sectors of society, and there’s work that we need to get done,” she said. Harris highlighted her campaign’s focus on issues like childcare, affordable housing, and protecting working people from corporate price gouging, but admitted there was “more work to be done.”

Criticisms of Trump and Warnings for the Future

During the interview, Harris did not hold back in her criticism of President Trump, labeling him a “tyrant” and “fascist.” She accused Trump of weaponizing the Department of Justice for personal vengeance and targeting political critics, asserting that her warnings on the campaign trail had been vindicated. Harris also expressed disappointment in business leaders and institutions she said had “capitulated” to Trump’s power.

On foreign relations, Harris cautioned world leaders against being overly eager to curry favor with Trump, warning that he “invites favor and flattery” and that such proximity to power could be risky.

On Gaza and Global Affairs

Harris acknowledged progress in the Middle East regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict, crediting various parties for the release of hostages. She stressed the need for a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s future, including security, governance, and rebuilding.

Personal Security and Moving Forward

Harris addressed Trump’s decision to strip her of Secret Service protection following the election, saying simply, “I feel safe.” She declined to speculate on his motives.

Looking ahead, Harris spoke warmly about the women who have influenced her life and career, expressing confidence that a woman will occupy the White House in her nieces’ lifetimes—perhaps even herself. “Possibly,” she replied when asked if she might run for president again, adding, “I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.”

For now, Harris is focusing on her book tour and listening to Americans around the country, particularly in the South. She emphasized her desire to engage with people without the pressure of campaigning, but left the door open for future runs: “I’ve not decided yet what I will do in the future… but you’ve been very clear that it’s a possibility you might run again.”

Defiance in the Face of Doubt

Despite polls and bookmakers putting her as an outsider—even behind celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—Harris dismissed such speculation. “I’ve never listened to polls. If I had, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this interview.”

Her message to supporters remains resolute: “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign. Sometimes the fight takes a while.”

Closing Thoughts

Kamala Harris concluded the interview with optimism and gratitude, reflecting on her campaign’s joy, the support she received, and her enduring commitment to public service. As she put it, “I am not done”—leaving open the possibility of another run for the highest office in the land.