Kamala Harris’s 60 Minutes Interview Shakes Things Up After Trump Backs Out
Kamala Harris took center stage during her 60 Minutes interview on Monday, becoming the only presidential candidate to appear on the CBS election special. While the vice president spoke about everything from the Israel-Hamas war to her economic plans, the headlines weren’t just about her.
Donald Trump had initially agreed to sit down with 60 Minutes—only to back out at the last minute, allowing Harris to grab the spotlight.
She didn’t hold back when asked about Trump’s decision to ditch the interview. “If he is not going to give your viewers the ability to have a meaningful, thoughtful conversation, question and answer with you, then watch his rallies. You’re going to hear conversations that are about himself and all of his personal grievances,” Harris told 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker. “And what you will not hear is anything about you, the listener.” She added, “You will not hear about how he is going to try to bring the country together.”
CBS anchor Scott Pelley, who was supposed to conduct the Trump interview, revealed behind-the-scenes drama, saying the interview was originally confirmed to take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort or in Butler, Pennsylvania. “On September 9, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, sent a text that read, ‘I’m working with our advanced team to see logistically if Butler would work in addition to the sit-down,’” Pelley disclosed.
However, Trump eventually backed out, citing concerns over fact-checking. Pelley clarified, “We fact-check every story,” countering claims from Trump’s camp that an apology for a previous interview was required before they could move forward with the interview.
Meanwhile, Harris used her time to discuss pressing global and domestic issues. She made her stance clear on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, urging an end to the violence while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself. “Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. This war has to end,” she said firmly.
The conversation also shifted to economic matters, with Whitaker pressing Harris on claims that her proposed policies, including a federal ban on price gouging and expanded tax credits, would add $3 trillion to the federal deficit. Harris fired back, stating, “The other economists that have reviewed my plan versus my opponent…determined that my economic plan would strengthen America’s economy. His would weaken it.”
With less than a month until the election, the 60 Minutes interview marked a pivotal moment in Harris’ media blitz. Following her appearance, she’s set to visit New York, with scheduled appearances on The View, a sit-down with Howard Stern, and a late-night chat with Stephen Colbert. This will be her first Late Show appearance since securing the Democratic nomination, solidifying her presence in the public eye as the campaign heats up.
With the election fast approaching, Harris is securing her spot as the candidate to watch, leaving Trump’s absence from 60 Minutes as just another plot twist in the high-stakes presidential race.
