In a fiery and combative interview with Fox News, Vice President Kamala Harris took a firm stance, making it clear that her presidency would be independent and distinct from President Joe Biden’s tenure. Harris stated unequivocally that if she wins the 2024 election, she intends to chart her own course and will not simply continue the policies of the Biden administration.
“My presidency would not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency,” Harris told Bret Baier, the Fox News anchor, during the interview. She emphasized that, like every new president, she would bring her unique life and professional experiences to the office. “I represent a new generation of leadership,” Harris declared, positioning herself as a forward-thinking leader ready to move the country beyond the Biden era.
Harris has recently faced criticism for her inability to point out any major policy differences between herself and Biden during a previous interview on ABC’s “The View.” Critics argued that this suggested a Harris presidency would merely be a repeat of Biden’s policies, a concern exacerbated by Biden’s low approval ratings. However, Harris made it clear in this interview that her approach would be her own, and she emphasized her commitment to offering a fresh perspective on leadership.
Harris’s decision to appear on Fox News—a conservative network not typically friendly to Democratic candidates—was a calculated move. It was an effort to appeal to Republican and independent voters who may not typically watch mainstream media outlets. With a tight race looming against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, Harris is hoping to win over voters who are disillusioned with Trump but also hesitant about four more years of Democratic leadership.
This interview was one of the most contentious Harris has faced during her campaign. Both she and Baier had something to prove. Fox News’ conservative audience was expecting a tough interview, and Harris needed to demonstrate that she has the authority and strength to lead as commander in chief.
Throughout the interview, Harris and Baier frequently talked over each other. Baier attempted to corner her on critical issues such as border security, the economy, and Biden’s perceived weaknesses. Harris, however, held her ground and insisted on finishing her responses despite Baier’s push for quick, soundbite-ready answers.
“I’m in the middle of responding to the point you’re raising, and I’d like to finish,” Harris asserted when Baier pressed her on immigration policy. This was just one example of her standing her ground during the intense interview.
Brian Fallon, Harris’s campaign communication director, praised her performance in the interview, highlighting that it was important for Harris to reach voters who may not have been exposed to her ideas before. “I think there’s a good number of independents and Haley-style Republicans who are very open to voting for VP Harris,” Fallon told reporters, referring to GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. He added, “We feel like we definitely achieved what we set out to achieve. She was able to show her toughness and engage with an audience that might not be in her usual base.”
Harris’s campaign has been navigating a delicate situation ever since Biden dropped out of the race, following concerns about his age and low polling numbers. At 81, Biden has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his health and fitness to serve. Harris has had to walk a fine line—both defending Biden’s record while simultaneously presenting herself as a distinct and independent candidate for the presidency.
Baier pressed Harris on whether she had ever observed any signs of Biden’s diminished capacity, a question that has lingered throughout Biden’s presidency. Harris responded by defending Biden’s capabilities but quickly pivoted to attacking Trump, casting him as the real unfit candidate. “Joe Biden is not on the ballot,” Harris said, “Trump is.”
She also referenced former Trump administration officials who have publicly criticized Trump’s ability to govern. “I think the American people have concerns about Donald Trump,” she added, underscoring her argument that Trump’s leadership had been detrimental to the country.
The conversation also turned to border security, a hot-button issue for many voters. Baier cited crimes committed by illegal immigrants during the Biden-Harris administration, but Harris stood firm. While expressing sympathy for victims, she also pointed out that Congress had failed to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill that could have improved border security. Harris noted that a bipartisan bill had been crafted but was derailed by Trump’s influence over GOP lawmakers.
As the interview concluded, Harris made a strong case that she was ready to lead the country in a new direction. “We’ve been burned by the kind of rhetoric that Donald Trump has used to divide us,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to uniting the nation and focusing on the future.
