Vice President Kamala Harris faced a tough grilling during her October 2024 interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, where she was asked to address a number of controversial shifts in her policy positions ahead of the upcoming presidential election. With election day only weeks away, Harris, the Democratic nominee, is under increasing pressure to explain past reversals on key issues such as border security, gun control, and her stance on economic matters.
In the pre-recorded interview, CBS correspondent Bill Whitaker pressed Harris on her changing positions, particularly on issues like fracking and immigration. Whitaker’s line of questioning appeared to catch the vice president off guard at times, especially when he pointed out how much her positions had evolved. Harris, attempting to defend her record, stated, “I have been traveling our country, and I have been listening to folks and seeking what is possible in terms of common ground. I believe in building consensus”.
🚨BREAKING: Univision accidentally broadcast proof that Comrade Kamala used a teleprompter at her town hall 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/d8yjUeJB1H
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) October 11, 2024
Harris, who once described herself as a staunch opponent of border wall construction, was reminded of her past criticism of former President Trump’s immigration policies. When asked about her administration’s handling of the ongoing border crisis and reports of skyrocketing illegal crossings, Harris maintained that her core values remained the same despite evolving stances. She attributed her adjustments to a need for flexibility in leadership and consensus-building. However, many critics viewed her responses as evasive, pointing to her earlier promises of progressive reforms.
Another significant moment in the interview came when Harris was asked about her economic plan, which includes the expansion of the child tax credit and raising taxes on the wealthy. Critics have pointed out that her proposals could increase the national debt by $3.5 trillion over the next decade. When confronted with this projection, Harris defended her plan, arguing that it was essential to fund key social programs and redistribute wealth. “I disagree with you,” she told Whitaker, emphasizing that many members of Congress support her vision.
It turns out the day Kamala was bitching at DeSantis for not taking her phone call as a hurricane was barreling towards Florida, even though she is not in the chain of command on hurricane response, was the same day that she was doing a photoshoot with Vogue. pic.twitter.com/YMrQhZrnZN
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 11, 2024
Harris also found herself in hot water over her stance on gun control. Surprisingly, she revealed during the interview that she owned a Glock, despite her long-standing advocacy for stricter gun regulations. This revelation stunned viewers and critics alike, given that she has often been a vocal advocate for gun control measures. Harris explained that her background in law enforcement shaped her understanding of firearms, and she downplayed the inconsistency by saying that she had owned the weapon for years.
The interview covered a wide range of topics, including foreign policy. Harris addressed ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. She criticized former President Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, claiming that his proposed solutions would amount to a “surrender” to Russia. Harris reiterated that Ukraine must have a voice in determining its future and dismissed the idea of bilateral talks with Russia without Ukraine's involvement.
The vice president’s performance during the interview has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praised her resilience in facing difficult questions, while critics pointed to what they saw as Harris’s inability to clearly articulate her policy vision. With polls showing a tight race in key battleground states, the 60 Minutes interview may play a crucial role in shaping voter opinions in the final weeks of the campaign.
As Harris seeks to secure the presidency, her ability to justify her past policy shifts and connect with a diverse electorate will be paramount. The interview highlighted the challenges she faces in balancing her record with the demands of an increasingly polarized political landscape.
