Kamala Harris promises a departure from Biden's presidency during a tense interview with Fox News.

 Kamala Harris Promises a Distinct Presidency in Challenging Fox News Interview

Nominee asserts her administration will diverge from Biden's policies and criticizes Trump for his “enemy within” rhetoric

Adam Gabbatt in New York
Thu 17 Oct 2024 00:51 BST

In a confrontational interview with Fox News on Wednesday night, Kamala Harris emphasized that her presidency “would not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency,” while taking aim at Donald Trump for his persistent remarks about an “enemy within.”

The 25-minute segment marked Harris's first conversation with Fox News, known for its support of Trump, following a rally in Pennsylvania attended by over 100 Republican officials.

During the interview with Bret Baier, the network's chief political anchor, Harris faced a barrage of right-leaning topics, including immigration and Biden's record. She sought to appeal to Fox’s older, predominantly Republican audience, responding to Baier's question about whether she would approach any policies differently than Biden. Baier referenced a previous statement where Harris claimed she couldn’t think of anything she would change—a remark Republicans have used to link her to the unpopular Biden administration.

“Let me be very clear. My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency. Like any new president, I will bring my life experiences, professional background, and fresh ideas. I represent a new generation of leadership,” Harris asserted. She expressed her openness to ideas from various sectors, including Republicans and the business community.

Baier pointed out polling data showing that many Americans feel the country is “on the wrong track” and questioned why that sentiment persists given her tenure as vice president. Harris suggested that the dissatisfaction reflects a fatigue with both Biden and Trump, who has been campaigning since 2016.

She highlighted that numerous former Trump administration officials now deem him “unfit to serve,” describing him as unstable and dangerous, and noted that voters are weary of a leader who focuses on personal grievances instead of constructive governance.

When asked about Trump’s considerable support, Baier provocatively questioned if his supporters were “stupid.” Harris replied, “I would never say that about the American people.” She further criticized Trump’s comments about an “enemy within,” suggesting that such rhetoric implies he would turn the military against American citizens.

Earlier in the day, Trump participated in a Fox News town hall, reaffirming his claims about an internal enemy, labeling his political opponents as “the Pelosis” and suggesting they should be addressed by the military.

Trump reacted angrily to news of Baier interviewing Harris, alleging that the anchor often caters to the “cocktail circuit” left and inaccurately claiming that Fox News has become weak on Democrats.

While Baier maintained a degree of separation from the more extreme evening hosts, he still focused on conservative issues. He aired a Trump campaign ad that cited Harris’s past support for “surgical care” for transgender prisoners, despite Trump’s extensive spending on anti-transgender advertising. Harris countered, asserting that such surgeries were already available under Trump’s administration when deemed medically necessary.

As both campaigns gear up for the November 5 election, polls indicate a virtual tie between Harris and Trump in key swing states. Harris's Fox News appearance is part of a broader media blitz, including interviews on CBS’s 60 Minutes, The View, and the Call Her Daddy podcast. She is also reportedly negotiating to appear on Joe Rogan’s highly popular podcast, which draws a significant male audience.

This marked Harris's first sit-down with Fox News, although her running mate, Tim Walz, has appeared multiple times. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has also been a frequent presence on the network, often garnering attention for his composed responses to tough questions.

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