CBS' 60 Minutes Takes on Trump Campaign Regarding Edited Harris Interview

Former President Donald Trump has been repeatedly claiming Vice President Kamala Harris’ 60 minutes interview was misleadingly edited in order to portray her as more coherent and rational. 

After weeks of President Trump’s accusations, 60 minutes finally released a statement on their editing of the interview, admitting edits but negating Trump’s accusations. 

“60 Minutes gave an excerpt of our interview to Face the Nation that used a longer section of (Harris’) answer than that on 60 Minutes. Same question. Same answer. But a different portion of the response,” said 60 minutes.  “When we edit any interview, whether a politician, an athlete, or movie star, we strive to be clear, accurate and on point. The portion of her answer on 60 Minutes was more succinct, which allows time for other subjects in a wide ranging 21-minute-long segment.”

Trump’s campaign claimed 60 minutes’ response confirms Trump’s allegations and demanded they release the full interview transcript. 

“60 Minutes just admitted to doing exactly what President Trump accused them of doing. They edited in a different response - from another part of her answer - to make Kamala Harris sound less incoherent than she really was,” stated a Trump campaign press release. “Their statement is not a denial, it is an admission that they did exactly what they were accused of. This is another reminder of how hopelessly biased 60 Minutes is, and how correct President Trump was to decline their invitation to be subjected to their fake news hackery. Release the transcript!”  

The relevant portion of Vice President Harris’ 60 minutes interview featured her discussing the US’ influence over Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Harris defended her administration’s Israel policy. 

Israel has been increasing its defense operations against its enemies in the middle east.

Harris recently joined a phone call with Israel in which the Biden-Harris administration reassured prime minister Netanyahu of the US’ commitment to defending Israel. 

According to the White House, Biden and Harris “affirmed Israel’s right to protect its citizens from Hezbollah, which has fired thousands of missiles and rockets into Israel over the past year alone, while emphasizing the need to minimize harm to civilians.”

Harris, however, has recently employed a milder tone when speaking of the US’ relation to Israel vis-a-vis the latter’s military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon. 

For example, Harris has suggested she will continue pressuring Israel to compromise with Hamas leadership to reach a ceasefire and hostage swap deal. 

Harris’ comments parallel her recent efforts to gain Muslim-American leaders’ support. 

In recent weeks, Harris has been reportedly courting US Muslims to boost her suffering approval rating within the US’ Muslim minority.