Vice President Kamala Harris was questioned about several major challenges facing the Biden administration during a recent interview, covering U.S. support for Ukraine, handling of the southern border, and concerns over the national debt.60 Minutes.
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Harris pushed on Ukraine
The recorded interview comes as Harris ramps up media appearances on a series of podcasts and TV networks amid criticism that she has made very few. Donald Trump also was invited to 60 Minutes, but declined.
There is less than a month to go before Election Day in the race for the White House between the Democrat and her Republican opponent. The interview on CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, aired Monday night after both Harris and Trump appeared at events to commemorate one year since the 7 October attack on Israel.
Harris declined to agree when asked by reporter Bill Whitaker whether Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu is a “strong ally” of the United States, after recent public disagreements between the White House and Jerusalem. “The work that we do diplomatically with the leadership of Israel is an ongoing pursuit around making clear our principles,” Harris said.
“I think, with all due respect, the better question is, do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people,” she continued. “And the answer to that question is yes. “In a more tense moment, Harris also was pressed to defend her immigration record, which has been heavily attacked by Trump and Republicans.
Mr Whitaker asked her whether it was a “mistake” to loosen border restrictions put in place during Trump’s presidency, given that the Biden-Harris administration re-enacted restrictions three years after taking control of the White House.
“It’s a longstanding problem. And solutions are at hand. And from day one, literally, we have been offering solutions,” she said, blaming Trump for pressuring Republicans in Congress to torpedo a border deal that would have increased immigration enforcement. The reporter responded: “What I was asking was, was it a mistake to kind of allow that flood to happen in the first place?”
Harris replied that “the policies that we have been proposing are about fixing a problem, not promoting a problem”. She said that she and Biden have “cut the flow of illegal immigration by half”.
On Ukraine, Harris said she would not sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Ukraine was also at the table. She slammed Trump’s position, saying: “He talks about, oh, he can end it on day one. You know what that is? It’s about surrender,” she said.
She slammed Trump’s position, saying: “He talks about, oh, he can end it on day one. You know what that is? It’s about surrender,” she said. If Trump was still president, she said, “Putin would be in Kyiv right now”. She also was asked about her economic plan and how her administration would fund its plans, which could add $3tr (£2.3tr) to the US national deficit over the next decade. “My economic plan would strengthen America’s economy. His would weaken it,” she said, adding that her plan relied on “strengthening small businesses”.
Vice President Kamala Harris was questioned about several major challenges facing the Biden administration during a recent interview, covering U.S. support for Ukraine, handling of the southern border, and concerns over the national debt.
U.S. Support for Ukraine
Harris reiterated America’s strong backing of Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. She emphasized that U.S. support for Ukraine remains crucial in defending democracy and countering Russian aggression. Harris noted that the aid and military support provided by the U.S. have been essential, but she didn’t give specifics about any possible future changes to this commitment. Some have raised concerns about the financial and political costs of continued U.S. involvement, but Harris reaffirmed that standing by Ukraine is a core U.S. priority.
Border Management and Migrant Crisis
The Vice President was asked if any mistakes had been made in managing the border, an issue that has sparked widespread debate. While acknowledging the challenges of immigration, she stopped short of admitting any failures. Harris highlighted efforts to improve the situation, including reinforcing border security and addressing the root causes of migration, particularly in Central America. “The system needs reform, but we’re working toward a humane and effective solution,” she said, stressing the administration’s approach to balancing security with compassion.
Concerns Over National Debt
On the topic of the U.S. national debt, Harris faced questions about the administration’s economic strategy. The national debt has continued to grow, raising concerns about long-term financial stability. Harris defended the administration’s spending on key priorities like infrastructure and COVID-19 relief, arguing that these investments were critical for economic recovery. However, she acknowledged the importance of managing debt responsibly going forward, adding that “fiscal responsibility is something we take seriously, and we are committed to making smart investments for the future.”
In Summary
During the interview, Harris sought to reassure the public about the administration’s handling of these complex issues. While defending the current policies, she acknowledged the difficulties ahead, particularly at the border and in managing the nation’s finances. As scrutiny of these topics continues, Harris remains a key figure addressing the administration’s strategy on the global stage and at home.
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