Kamala Harris faces tough questions on ’60 Minutes’ while Trump opts to sit out

Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, who has been criticised for avoiding tough questions in media interviews, is now addressing them directly in a recent appearance on CBS News’ “60 Minutes”. Notably, former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, 78, declined to participate in this interview.
During the October 7 episode, Harris faced challenging questions, with one of the main topics being the Biden administration’s initial immigration policies, which some argue contributed to a surge in immigrants at the US-Mexico border.
This interview also coincided with the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack.
“Was it a mistake to loosen the immigration policies as much as you did?” asked correspondent Bill Whitaker, reported NBC News.
“It’s a long-standing problem, and solutions are at hand. From day one, literally, we have been offering solutions,” said Kamala Harris. She highlighted efforts to advocate for an immigration bill in Congress.
Immigration is a hot-button topic among American voters.
Despite Whitaker’s attempts to press her further, Harris did not admit to any policy mistakes.
She pointed out that the administration has made significant changes that have halved illegal immigration and emphasised the need for Congress to act to resolve the issue.
“Because of what we have done, we have cut the flow of illegal immigration by half, but we need Congress to be able to act to actually fix the problem,” she added.
The interview also included enquiries about funding for various social programmes, including small-business credits and child tax credits. These questions have been also asked in the first presidential debate between Harris and Donald Trump on ABC News on September 10.
In response, Harris criticised the previous administration’s economic policies.
“I’m going to make sure that the richest among us, who can afford it, pay their fair share in taxes. It is not right that teachers and nurses and firefighters are paying a higher tax rate than billionaires and the biggest corporations,” she stated, according to NBC News.
Whitaker challenged Harris on the practicality of her plans in Congress.
“In the last four years, I have been Vice President of the United States. And I have been travelling our country. And I have been listening to folks and seeking what is possible in terms of common ground. I believe in building consensus,” said Kamala Harris.
Harris also addressed her gun ownership, recalling a previous statement made during a discussion with Oprah Winfrey. She confirmed owning a Glock (gun manufacturing company).
“Of course I have” fired it “at a shooting range,” said Harris.
Towards the end of the interview, Harris commented on her rival Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump’s decision to skip the CBS segment.
“You’re going to hear conversations that are about himself and all of his personal grievances. And what you will not hear is anything about you, the listener,” she remarked. “You will not hear about how he is going to try to bring the country together, find common ground… That is why I believe in my soul and heart the American people are ready to turn the page.”
As the November 5 election approaches, Harris’s performance in media interviews is under scrutiny, with her campaign ramping up efforts to engage with voters.