Just weeks before Election Day, the 2024 presidential race remains tight, according to recent polls. Vice President Ranked in NPR/PBS/Marist Survey kamala harris Two points ahead of former President donald trump Among likely voters, but within the margin of error. Amidst this tense backdrop, and with 27 days left until the election, Harris sat down for an in-depth interview on CBS. 60 minutes with Bill Whittaker, as part of his media blitz throughout the week.
Harris responded to questions on her perceived changes in stance, particularly on controversial topics such as fracking, Medicare for All, and immigration.
What did the interview focus on? Biden-Harris administrationStrict action is being taken immigration policiesDue to which there was a significant decline in border crossing. Harris justified the change by blaming Republican opposition, particularly Donald Trump, for blocking potential solutions, while highlighting earlier efforts to reform the system through Congress.
Five highlights from his “60 Minutes” interview:
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Bill Whitaker did not shy away from questioning Harris’s quick nomination for the Democratic nomination. “Was democracy best served by President Biden stepping down and basically handing the nomination to you?” Whittaker asked, examining the lack of primary procedure.
Harris defended Biden’s decision, calling it selfless: “President Biden made a decision that I think history is going to show is rare among leaders, which was to put the country before self.” Highlighting the widespread support he received, he said, “I am proud to have won the support of the vast majority of delegates and to be elected the Democratic nominee.”
Economic Plans: Tax Fairness
The most heated debate in the interview was over Harris’s economic outlook. Harris focused on the need for investment in small businesses as a way to strengthen the middle class. He underlined the role of small businesses in America’s economy and called them “part of the backbone.”
But when asked how she would pay for these plans, Harris highlighted the importance of tax fairness. “The one thing I’m going to make sure is that the richest among us, who can afford it, pay their fair share in taxes,” she said. He emphasized the inequity in the current tax system, where billionaires and major corporations pay lower rates than teachers or firefighters.
Immigration: a political Achilles’ heel?
Immigration remains a particularly sensitive issue for Harris, and Whitaker did not back down. He pointed out inconsistencies in their positions and asked why the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies were more liberal in the early years, leading to an increase in border crossings.
Harris defended the administration’s efforts, pointing out that she had proposed solutions to Congress from day one. “The first bill we proposed to Congress was to fix our broken immigration system,” he said, but lamented that it did not advance because of political resistance.
As for the recently launched crackdown on asylum seekers, Harris credited the policy with dramatically reducing cross-border infiltration. However, he stressed that a long-term solution would require congressional action. Despite the decline in illegal immigration, Harris continued to face questions about why such measures were not taken earlier in her term.
Foreign Policy: Stance on China and Ukraine
On the international front, Harris answered questions on two important issues: China’s growing assertiveness and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Asked whether the US would use military force to defend Taiwan, Harris avoided speculating.
Harris reinforced the Biden administration’s tough stance on Ukraine. He refused any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Ukraine was also at the negotiating table. Rejecting Republican rival Donald Trump’s claim, he said, “Ukraine must have a say in Ukraine’s future.” He said that he can end the conflict soon. “Donald Trump, if he were president, Putin would be sitting in Kiev right now,” he said, calling Trump’s rhetoric a “surrender” to Russia.
On Trump, gun ownership, Walz’s controversial comments
When Harris was asked about Trump canceling her scheduled 60 Minutes interview, she criticized his unwillingness to engage in meaningful discussion. “If he’s not giving your audience the ability to have thoughtful conversations, watch his rallies,” she said, emphasizing that Trump’s speeches focus more on how he wants to change Americans’ lives. Want to make it better.
Switching gears, Harris addressed his gun ownership. She revealed that she owns a Glock, and said, “I have a Glock, and I’ve had it for a long time,” adding that her background in law enforcement shaped her stance on responsible gun ownership. He reiterated calls for stricter gun regulations while defending the right to own firearms.
Harris also addressed controversial comments made by her fellow Minnesota governor Tim Walz, who previously faced investigation over false claims about his military service. Harris noted that she had advised Walz to be more cautious with her words, saying, “You need to be a little more careful on how you say things”, in an effort to keep the campaign message on track.
’60 Minutes ended Kamala Harris’ campaign,’ MAGA says
Harris’s appearance on “60 Minutes” was sharply criticized by Trump supporters and MAGA-affiliated figures. There was a flood of reactions on social media platforms after the broadcast. “Kamala Harris’ campaign ended after 60 minutes. This is painful,” one user wrote.
Others focused on his answers regarding immigration. “Kamala faced with allowing illegal immigration to quadruple during her time… responded with nonsense,” one critic posted, adding that the interview was a boost to her candidacy. It was a disaster. Another comment said, “She’s completely ignorant! She doesn’t know anything about Taiwan and China.”
