Donald Trump’s unexpected withdrawal from the upcoming 60 Minutes interview has sparked discussion, while Kamala Harris is set to move forward with her appearance. The decision, though initially unclear, has shifted attention toward Harris as the sole candidate in the election special. With the election approaching, Trump’s absence has left many speculating about its impact on the final weeks of the campaign.
Here’s a closer look at what this means for both candidates and the ongoing race.
Kamala Harris confirmed to appear on CBS’ ‘60 Minutes’
Vice President Kamala Harris will be the sole presidential candidate appearing on CBS’ 60 Minutes election special on October 7, 2024, after former President Donald Trump allegedly withdrew from the interview.
As per CBS, both campaigns had initially agreed to participate in the show, but Trump’s campaign later declined, citing unresolved issues from a previous interview in 2020. Spokesperson Steven Cheung called CBS’ claims of Trump withdrawing from the interview “fake” and stated, “There were initial discussions, but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in.”
Despite Trump’s absence, CBS has confirmed the special will air as planned, featuring Harris’ interview with correspondent Bill Whitaker.
Trump’s decision to not participate centers on his demand for an apology from CBS regarding its handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 election. At a recent press conference, he stated he would not participate in 60 Minutes unless an apology was issued. His campaign also mentioned concerns over CBS’ insistence on live fact-checking, which they claimed was “unprecedented.” (via CBS News)
CBS has not commented directly on these claims but reiterated that their invitation to Donald Trump remains open.
Harris’ appearance on 60 Minutes follows her first presidential debate with Trump in early September, with no further debates planned before the November 5 election as of now. Her interview is expected to address key issues like the economy, immigration, and international conflicts.
CBS’ 60 Minutes has a tradition of giving airtime to both major presidential candidates before elections. This allows viewers to compare their candidates. However, with Trump not participating, this year’s special will feature Harris alone. The network remains open to interviewing Trump if he reverses his decision before the broadcast.
