Vice President Kamala Harris faced tough questions from CBS News' Bill Whitaker on the "60 Minutes" election special, dodging or refusing to provide specifics on her plans for the country. Harris was pressed on immigration policies, foreign policy, and economic proposals while also addressing voter uncertainty about her.
Vice President Kamala Harris faced a grilling by CBS News' Bill Whitaker on the "60 Minutes" election special, where she dodged or refused to provide specific details on her plans for the country. Harris was pressed on her administration's immigration policies, her foreign policy stance, and her economic proposals, while also addressing voter uncertainty about her.
Kamala Harris Grilled on Border Record, Foreign Policy, and Economic Plans on '60 Minutes'
Whitaker confronted Harris on her apparent flip-flop on immigration, noting that she initially supported Biden's efforts to reverse Trump's strict policies but has since "embraced President Biden's recent crackdown on asylum seekers." Harris responded by blaming congressional Republicans for backing out of a bipartisan agreement on a border security bill and said that her administration has offered solutions "from day one, literally." However, she declined to answer Whitaker's question on whether it was a mistake to initially loosen immigration policies.
Harris did not do much to distinguish her foreign policy from that of the Biden administration. On Israel, she echoed Biden's call for an end to the war with Hamas but acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself. On Ukraine, she stated that Ukraine must be involved in any resolution to the war with Russia and declined to meet with Putin unless Ukrainian representatives were present. She was less specific on whether Ukraine should join NATO.
Kamala Harris Grilled on Border Record, Foreign Policy, and Economic Plans on '60 Minutes'
Harris outlined her economic proposals, which include a federal ban on price gouging for food and groceries, expanding the child tax credit, and providing assistance to first-time homebuyers and small businesses. When asked how she would pay for these plans, estimated to add $3 trillion to the federal deficit, Harris asserted that the rich must "pay their fair share in taxes." She expressed confidence in convincing Congress to raise taxes, despite past inclinations.
In a surprising revelation, Harris admitted to owning a Glock pistol. She stated that as a former law enforcement officer, she has fired her handgun at a shooting range.
Kamala Harris Grilled on Border Record, Foreign Policy, and Economic Plans on '60 Minutes'
Whitaker addressed the fact that many registered voters still do not know much about Harris. She responded that she takes it seriously that she must earn everyone's vote, emphasizing that she intends to reach out to voters and address their concerns.
Overall, Harris's interview on "60 Minutes" largely failed to differentiate her from Biden, with her responses mirroring the current administration's positions on foreign policy and immigration. Her economic proposals and gun ownership admission added some personal flair, but her inability or unwillingness to provide specifics on key issues may leave voters still unsure about her plans for the country.
Kamala Harris Grilled on Border Record, Foreign Policy, and Economic Plans on '60 Minutes'
