Vice President Kamala Harris recently participated in an extensive interview, addressing critical topics such as her economic strategies and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The interview, aired on CBS’s 60 Minutes, marked a significant moment in her media outreach amidst heightened scrutiny from political opponents.
In the interview, correspondent Bill Whitaker challenged Harris on specifics regarding her economic proposals, which include expanding the child tax credit and tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and new businesses. A nonpartisan report estimated these proposals could cost around $3.5 trillion, but Harris asserted that she intends to balance this by increasing taxes on corporations and high-income earners.
Despite the pressure, Harris expressed confidence in Congress’s willingness to engage with her proposals, claiming, “When you talk quietly with a lot of folks in Congress, they know exactly what I’m talking about.” She highlighted the impact of previous tax cuts on the federal deficit as a rallying point for her fiscal strategy.
Harris Discusses Immigration Policies
On immigration, Harris was queried about the Biden administration’s timing in enforcing stricter measures against illegal immigration amid criticisms from opponents. She responded, emphasizing that their policies aim to address problems, rather than create them. “Illegal border crossings have fallen off by half,” she noted, urging Congress to take necessary actions to resolve ongoing issues.
Addressing criticism regarding her shift from a more liberal stance during her 2020 campaign to a centrist position, Harris attributed her evolution to her experiences as vice president and her commitment to finding common ground. “I believe in building consensus,” she stated, underlining her focus on compromise while maintaining core values.
A Clear Stance on Foreign Policy
In relation to foreign policy, Harris asserted that she would only meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in conjunction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that Ukraine must have a say in its future.
Harris also opened up about her personal ties to firearms during the interview, revealing she owns a Glock for self-defense due to her background in law enforcement. She iterated her practical approach to gun ownership, stating, “If somebody breaks in my house, they’re getting shot.”
This interview is part of a tradition for presidential candidates to engage with 60 Minutes, a platform known for its rigorous questioning. Notably, Trump had been scheduled for a similar appearance, which was recently canceled by his campaign.
