Vice President Kamala Harris has been the Democratic presidential candidate for under three months, a period during which she has faced consistent criticism from former President Donald Trump as she defends her record and presents her agenda to the public.
In a recent interview on 60 Minutes, correspondent Bill Whitaker spoke with Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, about their plans regarding the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and other topics, just weeks ahead of the Nov. 5 election against Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Whitaker questioned Harris on whether the U.S. lacks influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and whether they maintain a close alliance. Despite President Biden’s calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, Israel continues its military operations. Harris responded by emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, stating, “The better question is do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people?”
Regarding Russia, Harris stated she would not meet with President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing war without Ukraine’s participation, asserting that Ukraine should have a voice in its future. She criticized Trump, saying, “If he were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now.”
Trump’s absence from the 60 Minutes special meant voters did not hear directly from him. After initially agreeing to participate, he later declined, prompting Harris to suggest that Trump prefers to focus on his personal grievances rather than engaging in meaningful conversations with voters.
As Election Day approaches, many voters prioritize the economy. Harris defended the Biden administration’s performance, citing low unemployment rates and outlining plans to implement a federal ban on price gouging for food, expand the child tax credit, and provide tax incentives for first-time homebuyers and new businesses. She stated her intention to ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, arguing it is unjust for working-class professions to face higher tax rates than billionaires.
In addressing immigration, Harris noted her recent visit to the southern border and supported Biden’s efforts to enforce stricter measures on asylum seekers, stating the issue requires immediate solutions and legislative action.
Tim Walz, who was relatively unknown outside Minnesota until recently, has faced increased scrutiny since being selected as Harris’s running mate. He has encountered criticism over statements regarding his military background and past travels. During a debate with Vance, Walz admitted to being “a knucklehead at times,” adding that he believes voters can discern the difference between himself and Trump, whom he labeled a “pathological liar.”