Kamala Harris brushes off Trump question in first interview: 'Same old tired playbook, next question please'

Donald Trump has given many interviews and press conferences ever since he was announced as the Republican presidential nominee, including one where he talked about the existence of aliens. His political strategy includes making personal remarks about his opponents. Before Kamala Harris, Joe Biden was targeted because of his age.

With Kamala Harris, Trump has made a series of sharp, racially insensitive, and sexist comments. For instance, his recent post on the Truth Social app suggested Harris used sexual favors to advance her career. Republican Senator and Trump loyalist Lindsey Graham also warned him that he may not win the election if he continues to make personal comments about Harris.

During Harris' first ever interview, she was asked about Trump's strategy and here's what she had to say.

Kamala Harris refuses to comment on Donald Trump in her first interview

In an interview with CNN's Dana Bash as the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris addressed several key issues, including her approach to strengthening the middle class and her evolving positions on fracking and immigration. Bash also brought up Trump in the interview and let viewers in on a rather unexpected fact—Harris has never interacted with Trump face-to-face in her entire political career.

She also asked Harris about Trump’s comments on her race and identity.

As a reminder, Trump claimed last month that Harris recently ‘became a black person’ for political purposes. He said at the National Association of Black Journalists convention:

I didn’t know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black.

So I don’t know - Is she Indian? Or is she black?

When Dana Bash asked for Harris’ response to Trump’s comment, stating that he questioned a core part of her identity, Harris refused to respond and replied:

Same old tired playbook, next question, please.

While Harris may have declined to comment on Trump, she previously said in a meeting of the historically black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho in Houston:

The American people deserve better. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us - they are an essential source of our strength.

Donald Trump reacts to Kamala Harris’ first interview

Following the interview, criticism ensued from Trump as he slammed her for conducting her first major interview alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, rather than alone. He mocked this decision, suggesting it showed weakness and a lack of confidence. According to CNN’s YouTube video, at a rally in Michigan, he said:

She didn’t want to go in alone. How do you think as president she’s gonna deal with this?

She went in with this vice president guy who nobody has ever heard of and she did the interview with a very friendly reporter…maybe a friendly reporter but not very friendly with other people.

Additionally, Trump has been vocal about the timing of Harris' interview, questioning why she waited so long to speak publicly in this capacity. His campaign has used these points to frame Harris as unprepared or indecisive, a narrative they are keen to push as part of their broader strategy against her.

In a town hall moderated by Tulsi Gabbard while on the campaign trail in Wisconsin, he slammed Harris for not doing a live interview like him, reports Sky News. He said:

Why are we doing it live when she’s doing it taped?

Adding:

She didn’t look like a leader to me, I’ll be honest. I don’t see her negotiating with President Xi of China.

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Sources used

CNN interview: Part 2: ‘We need a deal’: Harris weighs in on Israel-Hamas war

BBC: ‘Is she black or Indian?’: Trump questions Harris’ racial identity

CNN Youtube video: Hear Trump’s response to Harris’ interview with CNN

Sky News: Donald Trump reacts to Kamala Harris first TV interview as Democrat nominee