US Vice President Kamala Harris addressed several key issues during a one-on-one interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, including the Middle East conflict, the situation in Ukraine, gun ownership, and immigration policy. This interview comes as Harris increases her media presence in light of criticism regarding her limited public appearances. With less than a month until Election Day, Harris is set to face off against her Republican challenger.
The interview aired onMonday night after both Harris and former President Donald Trump marked the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel. When asked by reporter Bill Whitaker if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a strong ally of the U.S., Harris avoided a direct answer, emphasizing the ongoing diplomatic work between the U.S. and Israeli leadership. “The better question is, do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? The answer to that question is yes,” she remarked.
In a more contentious part of the interview, Harris was challenged on her immigration record, which has drawn criticism from Trump and Republicans. When asked if it was a mistake to ease border restrictions established during Trump’s administration, she responded by stating that the problem is longstanding and solutions are available. Harris accused Trump of obstructing potential bipartisan efforts to address immigration enforcement. She defended her administration’s actions by asserting that they have halved the flow of illegal immigration.
Regarding Ukraine, Harris stated she would refuse to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Ukraine was included in the discussions. She criticized Trump’s claims about ending the conflict quickly, describing such statements as tantamount to surrender. Harris emphasized that if Trump were still president, Ukraine would be facing significantly greater challenges.
When questioned about her economic plan, Harris said it would bolster the U.S. economy while Trump’s proposals would weaken it. She noted that her plan focuses on supporting small businesses and would involve increased taxation on the wealthiest Americans. A recent analysis indicated that Trump’s proposals could increase the national debt substantially more than Harris’s plans.
In her discussion about gun ownership, Harris revealed her personal experience with firearms, confirming that she owns a Glock pistol and has fired it at shooting ranges. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her running mate, also appeared on the program, criticizing Trump’s derogatory comments about immigrants and opponents.
While Trump was invited to the show, he ultimately declined the offer, leading to disputes over whether he had ever agreed to be interviewed. Earlier that day, Harris commemorated the victims of the October 7 attacks by planting a pomegranate tree to symbolize hope and resilience. Meanwhile, Trump participated in a memorial visit in New York, reflecting on the significance of the Jewish community during his visit to a notable Jewish site.