The Vice President discusses immigration policy, foreign relations, and her collaboration with Liz Cheney in a candid conversation

In a revealing interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Vice President Kamala Harris tackled pressing issues surrounding immigration, international relations, and her political alliances. The segment aired on October 7, 2024, amidst a strategic media tour leading up to the presidential election, which features Harris engaging with a variety of platforms, including the “Call Her Daddy” podcast and ABC’s “The View.”

When asked about immigration policies, Harris described the ongoing migration crisis as a “longstanding problem,” acknowledging the significant rise in crossings during the Biden administration. Despite facing record numbers of undocumented immigrants, she refrained from saying whether earlier action should have been taken, instead pointing to a proposed immigration bill from early 2021 that failed due to Republican opposition. “We need Congress to be able to act to actually fix the problem,” she insisted, highlighting the necessity for bipartisan cooperation.

Harris also addressed foreign policy, explicitly stating she would not engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. She underscored the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty in any resolution, stating, “Ukraine must have a say in the future of Ukraine.” In her critique of former President Donald Trump, she claimed that under his leadership, Putin would have already taken Kyiv, describing Trump’s suggestions to end the war as a call for surrender.

The Vice President’s commitment to Ukraine was palpable, reflecting her strong support for the nation during its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. “I will work to ensure Ukraine prevails in this war, to be safe, secure, and prosperous,” she asserted, reinforcing the Biden administration’s stance on aiding Ukraine.

A particularly notable segment of the interview featured Harris alongside former Republican Representative Liz Cheney in Ripon, Wisconsin, touted as the birthplace of the GOP. Cheney, who has emerged as a prominent critic of Trump, openly endorsed Harris, stating, “It’s gonna be crucial for the parties to come together and to support Vice President Harris because she’ll defend the rule of law.” Harris responded positively to the unexpected partnership, remarking, “That’d be great,” highlighting the significance of bipartisanship in the current political climate.

Furthermore, Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, appeared in the interview, admitting to past misstatements about his military history. He attributed these inaccuracies to emotional storytelling rather than dishonesty, and noted that Harris had advised him to be more precise in his language. “You need to be a little more careful on how you say things,” Walz recalled Harris advising him, reflecting a supportive dynamic in their campaign.

As the conversation shifted to Trump, Harris expressed dismay at his decision to withdraw from a previously scheduled “60 Minutes” interview. “If he is not going to give your viewers the ability to have a meaningful, thoughtful conversation… then watch his rallies,” she remarked. She underscored her belief that the American public is ready to “turn the page,” expressing a desire for constructive dialogue over personal grievances.

The interview encapsulated Harris’s efforts to address the complexities of her campaign, as well as the ongoing challenges facing the Biden administration. With the election just weeks away, her candidacy continues to spotlight the importance of immigration reform and international diplomacy, along with unexpected alliances that may redefine political narratives in the lead-up to the 2024 election.