Kamala Harris Campaign Distances Itself From ’60 Minutes’ Edit Controversy: ‘We Do Not Control CBS’ Production Decisions’

As a seasoned political observer with a keen eye for detail and a heart full of hope for our nation, I find myself troubled by this latest controversy surrounding the edited “60 Minutes” interview featuring Vice President Kamala Harris.


The Kamala Harris team has chosen to step back from the debate sparked by her “60 Minutes” interview, following Donald Trump’s call for an apology from the network due to their broadcasting of two distinct versions of Harris’ answer to a particular question.

As a moviegoer eagerly anticipating the upcoming release, I’ve been closely following the trailers – both online and on “Face the Nation” on October 6th. During one of these sneak peeks, Kamala Harris shared an extended response to Bill Whitaker’s query about the U.S.’s influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, in the final version that aired on October 7th, her answer underwent some edits.

1) The two videos have been shared on social media, placing them next to each other as people demand the release of the entire interview transcript. Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday that CBS should be scrutinized, claiming they manipulated the footage to make Harris seem more presidential. Below, you’ll find the written versions of both Harris’ responses.

Regarding the debate over the altered reply, an assistant for the Harris team stated to EbMaster: “We don’t have control over CBS’s production choices; we direct inquiries to CBS instead.

CBS did not immediately respond to EbMaster‘s request for comment.

On Monday evening, CBS News reported that Donald Trump decided to cancel his planned interview with “60 Minutes,” with correspondent Scott Pelley stating that the campaign objected to fact-checking during the interview. Pelley added that they fact-check every story. However, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, denied any scheduling or agreement for such an interview. This is the first general election year since 1968 where neither presidential candidate has appeared on “60 Minutes” in October.

Here is Harris’ longer response, which aired in a teaser on Oct. 6:

Whitaker: Does the U.S. have no sway over Prime Minister Netanyahu?

Harris: The assistance we provided Israel enabled them to safeguard themselves from approximately 200 missiles intended to target Israeli citizens and the nation as a whole. Considering the danger posed by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, I firmly believe it’s crucial for us to take necessary actions to empower Israel to protect itself against such hostile attacks.

Presently, our diplomatic efforts with Israeli leadership revolve around consistently communicating our core values, such as providing humanitarian assistance, advocating for an end to this conflict, and negotiating a deal that would lead to the release of hostages and establish a truce. We are committed to maintaining this pressure on Israel and regional leaders alike.

Whitaker: But it seems that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not listening.

Harris: Essentially, Bill, the actions taken by Israel in that particular area can be attributed to several factors, one of which is the support and advocacy we’ve provided for the necessary changes in the region.

Here’s the concise statement by Harris, broadcasted on “60 Minutes” on October 7 and available on the CBS News transcript:

Whitaker: Does the U.S. have no sway over Prime Minister Netanyahu?

Harris: Our continuous diplomatic efforts with Israeli leaders revolve around clearly expressing our values. (or) We’re consistently working diplomatically to articulate our core values with Israeli leadership. (or) In our ongoing diplomacy with Israel, we aim to clarify our principles.

Whitaker: But it seems that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not listening.

Harris: We will keep pushing forward until it’s crystal clear that the U.S. stands firm on ending this conflict.

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2024-10-10 04:46