Kamala Harris Pays Tribute to Trailblazer Gloria Steinem: She Was 'An Icon in So Many Ways'

We want to bring in the former Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Madam Vice President, we appreciate your joining us on State of Play. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. Your reflections on the life, the legacy, the impact of Gloria Steinem. Thank you, Peter. It's good to be with you. You know, I first met Gloria Steinem in the late 90s when I was a young prosecutor. I, as you know, specialized in crimes against women and children and got to know her through those years and at that time. And then we did work together around the late 90s, I believe it was late 90s, reelect of Bill Clinton, because at the time, the punditry was that women weren't going to vote. And so there was a group of us that started an organization. We called ourselves Women Count. And our slogan was they used to say we couldn't vote. Now they say we won't. Let's get out and vote. And so that was the beginning of the work that I did with Gloria so many years ago. And I have to tell you, to know her as a person is to know someone who was kind. She had an incredible sense of humor and wit and was just very connected with thinking about where we are going, not only where we've been, but where we are going. She was always invested in young women. And her advocacy really was always about fighting for the strength and the intelligence and the dignity of women everywhere. And really an icon in so many ways. Her message always focusing on female empowerment and beyond. We've been talking about how at 92, for generations, she had such an impact. But there's now a new generation of younger women, young leaders, children, women, girls right now. What do you say to them about the impact of Gloria Steinem and what lessons they can take from her from the way she lived her life? Well, you know, I have the saying that you never let anyone tell you who you are. You tell them who you are. And that really epitomized the Gloria Steinem's approach to it all, which is be strong, know that you have support, know that you belong. Don't look for affirmation in people who have a limited ability to see your capacity. And don't let that be a limitation on your perception of who you are and your ambition. And so to all the young women and the girls out there, I say really just understand that you are so supported and we applaud your ambition and never let other people's limited ability to see who you are be a limitation on your ambition. Gloria Steinem was a supporter of yours. She donated to your campaign in 2020. She participated in your campaign two years ago when she was asked if a woman could win the presidency. She said, I think Kamala Harris could win. What was some of the best advice she gave you through the course of your public life? Well, she, you know, and remember, I wasn't the first. She has supported women in the run for presidency as early as as her incredible support for Shirley Chisholm, who is a role model for me. And of course, Hillary Clinton. And her point was always, listen, we have to understand our ability to to to be even though people may not see it at the moment, that there is still work to be done to help people with their perception of who can do what. But, you know, here's my feeling about it is that, you know, breaking barriers involve breaking. And here's the thing about breaking things. Sometimes you get cut, sometimes you bleed, but it'll be worth it every time. And Gloria knew that she understood that the process of breaking barriers will be important. It will be historic, but it will also involve pain. And there will be a lot of support for you through that process. Understanding it won't be easy, but it's important to get it done. Madam Vice President, we appreciate all your reflections. I do want to ask you or give you a chance to respond to one of the headlines that's in the news today. Politico reports that you are wading into some of the midterms and that red state, not blue or purple state, but red state Democrats in states that Donald Trump won are encouraging you to stay away for fear it could impact their races there. Your response to some of that reporting? Listen, Peter, we need to win. OK, bottom line, we need to win. I have run locally, I've run for statewide office and obviously nationally. And these candidates know what they need to do to win. And I would expect nothing less. I look forward to being on the trail and helping folks where I can help them. But we have got to put a check this lawless administration and deliver what Americans need and deserve. Lower cost, affordable health care, affordable child care, you name it. So I support them in doing whatever they need to do to win. Are you going to be on the trail for yourself as a presidential candidate in 2028? I'm focused on 26. You know what, Peter, and to be very serious about this, 28 doesn't matter if we don't win 26. Got it. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Madam Vice President, it's always a pleasure to have you here. Thanks for spending time with us and sharing your reflections about the life of a one of a kind woman, Gloria Stein. And we appreciate you.