Moderator Rukaiyah Adams, left, looks on as former Vice President Kamala Harris greets the sold-out crowd at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Former Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about her new book and the potential deployment of National Guard troops to Portland at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Wednesday evening.
During the latest stop in a tour for her book, “107 Days,” Harris criticized President Donald Trump’s attempts to send the National Guard to protect the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, calling it an “abhorrent assault on constitutional values and principles.”
Harris’ visit comes as the Rose City is at the center of a high-profile court fight between local officials and President Trump over the ICE facility, where protests have occurred repeatedly in recent months. Harris said little about the president’s efforts and the protests, but it did come up briefly.
“Portland has drawn the ire of some folks in the federal government,” said moderator Rukaiyah Adams. (Adams is a member of OPB’s Board of Directors).
“Yeah, Donald Trump and his cronies,” said Harris. She congratulated the people of Portland and its leaders for “achieving a victory.” The court proceedings over the deployment are ongoing.
A small group of protesters were outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, where former Vice President Kamala Harris was speaking on a book tour.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
On Wednesday, a different group of protesters gathered outside Harris’ event in downtown Portland. At least two dozen people gathered outside the building, decrying what they see as failures by Harris and other members of the Biden administration in its handling of the war in Gaza. They yelled “cash grab Kamala” and “Kamala, Kamala you can’t hide.” Similar protests have occurred at other Harris appearances.
Harris won Oregon in 2024, receiving 55.6% of the state’s votes. Inside, people filled the rows on the ground level and the balcony that stretched to the back of the concert hall. She walked out onto stage to a deafening cheer from the sold-out crowd, and her conversation was repeatedly interrupted by applause.
The book is a personal account of the presidential race she lost to Trump a year ago this week. It is named after the length of last year’s campaign, which launched as criticism mounted over then-President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate with Trump.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on Wednesday night. The event, sponsored by Literary Arts, is part of a national book tour promoting Harris’ book, “107 Days,” that chronicles her 2024 presidential bid.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Harris described moments from the turbulent campaign she notes was the shortest in modern American history, which she said made it harder for her to quickly connect with voters. The book also includes details around the choice of her running mate and how the Biden campaign managed his ailing health.
“We now have affirmed the stakes. Let’s not lose our optimism about the fight,” said Harris. Later, she added: “Our democracy relies on our willingness to fight for it.”
Wednesday’s event came the evening after Democrats won two key races for governor, a potential sign of energy for a Democratic party that has struggled to unify after losing majority power in the U.S. Senate and the White House last year.
“What about last night!” Harris said to cheers, adding: “Let’s get our mojo back.”
Harris announced in July she would not run for governor of California in 2026, but questions over her political future have grown as she recently suggested in a BBC interview that may run for president again.
