Vice President Kamala Harris faced tough questions in a recent interview on CBS News' 60 Minutes, where she discussed pressing issues such as immigration, Ukraine, and her economic policies.
The interview comes as the election season heats up, with only weeks left before voters head to the polls.
Harris, participating in a media blitz amid criticism for her limited press appearances, was interviewed by Bill Whitaker.
The discussion covered several contentious topics, including Harris’s immigration stance, where she defended the Biden administration's approach to border policies.
When pressed on whether it was a mistake to loosen restrictions enacted during Donald Trump's presidency, she responded that illegal immigration has been reduced by half under their administration.
"The policies that we have been proposing are about fixing a problem, not promoting a problem," Harris said, attributing ongoing issues to Republican obstruction in Congress.
On the conflict in Ukraine, Harris asserted that she would not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy being present.
She criticized Trump’s assertion that he could end the war quickly, calling it “surrender” and stating, "If Trump was still president, Putin would be in Kyiv right now."
Harris also discussed her economic plan, which a recent analysis estimates could increase the US national debt by $3.5 trillion over the next decade.
She countered criticisms by emphasizing that her plan would strengthen the economy, focusing on small businesses and raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans to fund her proposals.
Whitaker challenged her on the practicality of her funding strategies, to which Harris maintained that she believed leaders in Congress were ready to engage on these issues privately.
In the interview, Harris shared personal details about her ownership of a Glock handgun, reflecting on her law enforcement background and emphasizing the importance of personal safety.
She also expressed her commitment to addressing gun ownership and related policies as part of her broader agenda.
The interview also touched on Harris's evolving political stance. She acknowledged that her views have shifted since her 2020 presidential campaign, stating that her focus now is on finding common ground and building consensus.
“We are a diverse people...what the American people do want is leaders who can build consensus,” she asserted.
As the election approaches, Harris’s performance in this high-profile interview will be closely watched, especially as she contrasts her platform with Trump's.
Recent analyses from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget highlighted that both candidates would significantly increase the national debt—Trump's proposals could add $7.5 trillion, nearly double that of Harris's plan.
Overall, Harris's interview reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of her administration's policies, as well as the strategic positioning ahead of the crucial election.
The discourse around these issues will likely continue to evolve as both candidates seek to sway voters in the coming weeks.
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