Kamala Harris is facing a storm of criticism after her CNN interview, her first since Joe Biden’s sudden departure from the 2024 race, with many accusing her of delivering nothing more than a “word salad” of empty rhetoric.
The vice president, now the Democratic nominee, sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash in what was supposed to be a defining moment for her campaign, but instead, it left critics unimpressed and questioning her ability to lead the nation.
The hour-long broadcast, recorded in Savannah, Georgia, alongside her running mate Tim Walz, was less of a grilling and more of a softball session, with only about half the time devoted to actual questioning. Despite the liberal media’s attempts to spin the interview as a success, claiming she adhered to the “do no harm” principle, the glaring omissions and lack of substantive answers did not go unnoticed.
Critics were quick to point out that Harris failed to address three of the most pressing issues that have dogged the Biden administration and now her campaign: the ongoing border crisis, soaring inflation, and concerns over Biden’s health. These are the very issues that could decide the outcome of the 2024 election, yet Harris seemed ill-prepared to tackle them head-on.
David Axelrod, a former strategist for Barack Obama, did not mince words in his post-interview analysis on CNN. He bluntly stated that Harris hadn’t “moved the ball forward that much,” a damning assessment that reflects a broader concern among Democrats about her ability to rally the base and win over undecided voters.
On the other side of the aisle, Scott Jennings, a former advisor to President George W. Bush, delivered a stark warning: Donald Trump, who has been waiting in the wings for his first debate showdown with Harris on September 10, will be “salivating” at the opportunity to challenge her on the national stage. Jennings’ comments highlight the anticipation and confidence within the Trump camp, as they prepare to exploit Harris’ perceived weaknesses.
GOP polling expert Frank Luntz echoed these sentiments on Twitter, arguing that while some may believe Harris handled herself well, a skilled debater would have little trouble picking apart her vague and unconvincing answers. Luntz added, “If tonight’s interview is judged not on policy but on performance, Kamala Harris will be found lacking.” This critique underscores the growing unease among those who believe that Harris is not prepared to face the tough questions that will inevitably come her way during the presidential campaign.
CNN’s Dana Bash, a long-time loyalist of the liberal network, was also criticized for failing to press Harris on critical issues, with some accusing her of going easy on the vice president. Daily Mail columnist Andrew Neil pointed out that Harris was “let off the hook” on her role in the cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline, and described the interview as a “master class on how not to hold politicians to account.” Such criticisms raise questions about the media’s role in scrutinizing candidates and ensuring that the public receives clear and honest answers.
Former Trump aide Steve Cortes went even further, calling the interview a “train wreck” that did little to boost Harris’ standing. Throughout the interview, Harris appeared nervous and hesitant, struggling to provide clear answers, which many on social media quickly labeled as “word salad.”
Axelrod noted that Harris was attempting to balance a difficult position—taking credit for the Biden administration’s successes while distancing herself from its failures. But as New York Times political reporter Astead Herndon pointed out, Harris’ campaign has yet to establish any significant policy differences from Biden, leaving voters wondering what, if anything, will change under her leadership.
On the economy, Harris tried to shift the blame for inflation onto Trump, accusing him of “price gouging” on groceries. However, this narrative has been dismissed by Wall Street analysts, who note that inflation has been driven by broader economic forces, including the policies of the Biden administration. Scott Jennings remarked on CNN that Harris offered “no additional thoughts on the economic situation in the country” beyond a vague assertion that she and Biden have done a “great job.” Such comments do little to reassure voters who are feeling the pinch of rising prices.
When it came to immigration, Harris attempted to tout her work on addressing the “root causes” of illegal migration. Yet, as the Biden administration’s “border czar,” she has overseen a surge in illegal immigration that has overwhelmed American cities, far from the southern border, with rising crime and homelessness. Critics argue that her failure to effectively manage the border crisis is one of the administration’s most glaring failures, and her inability to provide concrete solutions in the interview only reinforced those concerns.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the interview came when Harris was asked to defend Joe Biden’s fitness to serve in the Oval Office. Despite widespread concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities, Harris insisted that he possesses the “intelligence, commitment, and judgment” required of a president. But as Jennings pointed out in CNN’s post-interview analysis, the American people are likely to see this as dishonest, given the well-documented concerns about Biden’s mental sharpness. Jennings went so far as to say, “She didn’t take any responsibility at the end for telling the American people that Joe Biden was fine and he was strong, when we all know that’s not true, that’s why he’s out of the race.”
Harris has enjoyed a relatively smooth transition since taking over the Democratic nomination, thanks in part to favorable coverage from the liberal media. Polls show her gaining ground in swing states where Biden had been struggling. However, the upcoming presidential debate on September 10, where she will face off against Donald Trump, represents a significant test. Unlike the softball questions from CNN, the debate will place Harris in a hostile environment, where her ability to handle tough questions and defend her record will be under intense scrutiny.
As Scott Jennings aptly put it, “She’s trying to skip a block of time, and at the debate, Trump [will] not allow it.” The road ahead for Kamala Harris is fraught with challenges, and if this interview is any indication, she will need to significantly up her game to convince the American people that she is ready to lead the nation.
