"It is possible. I am thinking about it," Harris told the Rev. Al Sharpton after he directly asked her if she would run for president in 2028.
She made the remarks during the annual convention of the National Action Network, where several other potential candidates also appeared this week in an attempt to court Black voters, one of the most important voting blocs for the Democratic Party.
Although the next Democratic primary will not officially begin until after the November midterm elections, this week's conference has already brought together Democrats positioning themselves for what could be a very uncertain race with numerous candidates.
At least for now, there is no clear early front-runner. However, at Sharpton's conference, one such front-runner was clearly emerging.
Harris, the first Black woman to serve as U.S. vice president and the Democratic presidential candidate in the 2024 election, was the only one to receive a standing ovation and attracted the most attention from the audience among all potential 2028 candidates who appeared this week.
Sharpton noted that in her unsuccessful 2024 campaign, Harris received more votes than even former Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
"Whatever she decides, she has already left an indelible mark on history," Sharpton emphasized.
Over the past 15 months since leaving office, Harris has previously mentioned the possibility of another presidential run. She recently established a political action committee (PAC) and began traveling more intensively across the U.S. to support Democrats, especially in the South.
However, given the challenges Harris faced in the last presidential race, part of the party has shifted its focus to a new generation of Democratic leaders.
This year's convention also featured Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, California Congressman Ro Khanna, and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.
Speaking shortly after Harris left the stage, Buttigieg received lukewarm applause in a half-empty hall. Some applauded when he mentioned support for federal workers and minority-owned businesses, but a large number of participants left the previously packed hall immediately after Harris's speech ended, hoping to take photos with the former vice president.
Like many other potential 2028 candidates who appeared this week, Buttigieg laughed off a direct answer to whether he would re-enter the presidential race.
On the other hand, Harris was much more direct.
When Sharpton asked her about running for the White House in 2028, she repeated three times: "I am thinking about it."
"For four years, I was just one step away from the presidency of the United States. I spent countless hours in my office in the West Wing, just steps away from the Oval Office. I spent hours and hours in the Oval Office itself, as well as in the Situation Room. I know what that job means and what it requires," Harris said.
"I am thinking about it in terms of who, where, and how can best do that job for the American people," she added. "I am looking at it from that perspective. I will let you know in due time."