In her first interview with Fox News, Vice President Kamala Harris made clear that her presidency would not merely extend Joe Biden’s policies and condemned former President Donald Trump for his divisive rhetoric, particularly his “enemy within” comments.
Speaking with Bret Baier, Harris faced pointed questions on immigration, transgender rights, and Biden’s performance as she tried to connect with Fox’s predominantly conservative audience.
Harris, who had just addressed over 100 Republican officials in Pennsylvania, responded to questions about whether her presidency would differ from Biden’s.
Republicans have linked her closely to Biden, but Harris aimed to set herself apart. “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s,” she asserted, emphasizing her unique life and professional experiences. She framed herself as a new generation leader open to input from across the political spectrum, including Republicans and business leaders.
Baier cited polls showing that many Americans feel the country is on the “wrong track” and asked why, given her role as vice president. Harris pointed to widespread fatigue with both Biden and Trump, noting that even former Trump aides have criticized his stability.
She argued that Trump’s divisive tactics have left many Americans exhausted, reinforcing her stance as a unifying candidate.
When Baier pressed Harris about Trump’s “enemy within” comments, she condemned his use of language suggesting he would turn the military against political opponents.
“I would never say that about the American people,” Harris said. She argued that Trump’s rhetoric belittles and divides, contrasting with her vision for a presidency grounded in unity and respect. Earlier that day, Trump had reiterated these sentiments, targeting figures like Nancy Pelosi and others he considers political enemies.
In response to Harris’s interview, Trump lashed out on social media, criticizing Baier and accusing Fox News of going soft on Democrats.
Nonetheless, Baier asked about Trump’s attacks on her support for transgender rights, airing a campaign ad referencing Harris’s past statements on medical care for transgender inmates.
Harris responded by pointing out that Trump’s administration had allowed similar surgeries on a medically necessary basis, calling the ad “ironic.”
Harris also addressed broader campaign themes, explaining her plans for healthcare, immigration, and national security, and emphasizing her commitment to unity.
By distinguishing herself from both Biden and Trump, she aimed to position herself as a fresh alternative for voters disillusioned with both.
Both Harris and Trump are tied in key swing state polls as they vie for support ahead of the November 5 election. Harris’s Fox News appearance is part of a broader media strategy to reach conservative voters, with recent interviews on CBS’s 60 Minutes, The View, and the Call Her Daddy podcast.
Discussions are reportedly underway for her to appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast, a platform Trump also expressed interest in joining.
By engaging with Fox News, Harris hopes to broaden her appeal, reaching out to a diverse voter base. Her direct responses to Baier reflected a strategy focused on presenting herself as a candidate willing to tackle tough questions and bridge the nation’s political divides.
This approach, combined with her media outreach, underscores her commitment to addressing voter concerns across the spectrum.
Ultimately, Harris used the Fox News interview to highlight her independence from Biden and challenge Trump’s rhetoric, underscoring her goal to build unity.
As the election nears, her willingness to engage with conservative media signals her intent to reach all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
