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"This is so much bigger than just who is in the Oval Office right now.”
With that message, former Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a Greensboro audience at the Tanger Center on April 13, as she stopped in the city for her “107 Days” book tour, urging civic engagement during a pivotal political moment.
Attendees lined up hours in advance, many eager for the opportunity to see the nation’s first Black female vice president in person.
“I just want to hear some motivation tonight—some hope that everything’s going to be okay,” said attendee Tara Grant.
Speaking before a crowd of nearly 2,000, Harris delivered a candid and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, democracy and what she described as a growing divide across the country. The discussion was moderated by Nedra Glover Tawwab, renowned author and therapist.
“It breaks my heart to see what increasingly we have been seeing over some time around how our country is being divided,” Harris said. “What gives me the most concern, is the level of distrust that currently exists in our country between and among the American people.”
Harris emphasized the need for what she called a “project of civic renewal,” urging individuals to take responsibility for strengthening their communities rather than relying solely on elected officials.
“Sometimes we believe the leaders who will make things better are those in the highest positions of elected office,” she said. “But this project is going to require the leaders in this room.”
Her book, “107 Days,” debuted as a Number 1 New York Times bestseller and remained on the list for 10 consecutive weeks. In it, Harris offers an inside look at one of the most historic presidential campaigns in modern American history.
During her remarks, Harris pointed to the narrow margins of the 2024 presidential election as a reminder of the nation’s political divide.
“One-third of the electorate voted for him, one-third voted for us, and one-third did not vote,” she said. “So, two-thirds did not vote for this.”
She also urged attendees to stay informed and vigilant.
“Pay attention to what he does, not just what he says,” Harris said. “Because if you listen to what he says, it’s all meant to confuse and overwhelm.”
Earlier in the day, Harris visited North Carolina A&T State University, engaging with student leaders at the A&T Four statue in front of the Dudley Building. She acknowledged the students’ recent efforts to maintain an on-campus polling site. Harris also pointed to the barriers young voters face, noting that rising costs, from gas to food, are making civic participation increasingly difficult for many.
“They are entering a world where the life expectancy is much longer,” she said. “What kind of seeds are we planting right now that they will live with for the next 70 or 80 years?”
She added, “I believe the future of this country is in the South.”
Harris also drew parallels between historical voter suppression tactics, such as poll taxes and literacy tests, and modern voting barriers. She noted the new rule of identification requirements can still make it harder for some people to vote, especially those who may not have the time or money to meet those requirements.
“It is a right to vote that was denied to so many,” she said. “We must remember and honor the sacrifice and the blood that was shed for our right to vote.”
She encouraged voters to regularly check their registration status and polling locations, noting that changes can occur without widespread notification.
“These are the kinds of things being facilitated at every level,” Harris said. “We have to pay attention everywhere. We need to stay on top of protecting and fighting for our rights, and that includes at a local level, statewide level, as well as who is in the White House.”
When asked how she manages the emotional weight of the current political climate, Harris pointed to family, faith and community.
“We all have light inside of us. And we can’t let any election or moment or individual diminish that light,” she said while also acknowledging the uncertainty that many feel.
“Things are messed up, and I’m not here to say that things aren’t going to get worse. But I am here to say that we can’t give up. This is our country and we have to remember who we are,” said Harris.
She encouraged attendees to stay engaged through volunteering, donating to causes and supporting neighbors.
“There’s something incredibly empowering about reminding ourselves of our strength and ability to help,” she said.
Harris also highlighted policy work she did while she was in office that she believed would have a positive long-term impact, including legislation supporting Black maternal health and extending postpartum care coverage from two months to 12 months.
“The sad reality is that the United States of America still has one, if not the, highest rate of child mortality in the world among so-called developed or wealthy nations,” she said.
While there was no doubt among attendees that they would support her in another presidential run, with audience members chanting “2028!,” Harris said she has not made a decision.
“I’ve really enjoyed this time traveling our country and listening,” she said. “I’m not asking for a vote. I’m just listening.”
She added, “I know how important the work is,” Harris said. “I know what’s involved, and I love our country. And I have not made any decisions yet, but I will keep you posted.”
Still, some in the audience made clear they are already looking ahead.
“I still feel like there is a lot of leadership that is still out there for her, and her leadership is going to be the leadership that we will need to move forward in this country,” said Greensboro resident, Karen Dyer.
Harris’ tour will conclude this week with three more stops: Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia.
