In a recent interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Vice President Kamala Harris struggled to provide clear answers regarding key issues such as the economy and illegal immigration, areas where the Biden-Harris administration has faced significant challenges.
During her conversation with CBS News’ Bill Whitaker, Harris was pressed on topics like the administration’s handling of the southern border and the nation’s economic woes, both of which remain major concerns for voters. Whitaker pointed out that although recent crackdowns on asylum seekers led to a noticeable decrease in border crossings, this action came years after the administration took office. He asked, “If that’s the right answer now, why didn’t your administration take those steps in 2021?”
Harris responded by referring to a border bill from earlier this year that she claimed would have allowed 1.4 million immigrants into the country annually. She blamed Donald Trump for the bill’s failure, alleging that he instructed his allies in Congress to “kill the bill.” However, Whitaker, unsatisfied with the explanation, continued pressing her on why the administration had seen a historic surge in undocumented immigration during its first three years, questioning whether loosening immigration policies contributed to the problem.
Harris pointed to recent efforts that have halved the number of border crossings but continued to lay the blame on Congress for the ongoing crisis.
Shifting to the economy, Whitaker asked about inflation, noting that while certain indicators suggest the U.S. economy is performing better than many other countries, Americans are still struggling with high costs, such as grocery prices soaring by 25%. He asked Harris directly, “Are they wrong to blame you and Joe Biden for that?”
Harris responded by promoting her plans to reduce prices, which include proposals like price controls and offering up to $25,000 for first-time home buyers. However, when Whitaker questioned how these programs would be funded, Harris deflected, instead attacking Trump’s economic policies. Whitaker, seeking a more direct answer, asked again how she would pay for her initiatives. Harris stated that she would ensure the wealthiest Americans and large corporations “pay their fair share” of taxes but did not offer further details on the fiscal mechanics.
Whitaker pushed back further, questioning how Harris planned to pass these policies through Congress, given the legislative body’s resistance. Harris insisted that many leaders in Congress understood her vision, but Whitaker remained skeptical, pointing out that Congress had shown little interest in advancing her proposals.
The interview comes as part of a larger media push from Harris, which also included an appearance on the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, raising eyebrows about the timing and content of her media strategy.