Kamala Harris spars with Bret Baier on Fox News over Trump threat to deploy National Guard

Vice President Kamala Harris had a tense interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Wednesday, where they clashed over immigration and shifting policy positions. Harris emphasized that, if elected, her presidency would not simply continue Joe Biden’s agenda.

This interview marked Harris's first appearance on the network, aimed at reaching GOP-leaning voters as Election Day approaches. The nearly 30-minute discussion often turned heated, with both participants talking over one another.

When Baier interrupted her responses on immigration, Harris interjected, “May I please finish? ... You have to let me finish, please.” 

Throughout the conversation, Harris sought to pivot the focus onto Donald Trump while also discussing her own platform. Despite recently stating she couldn't think of any Biden actions she would have handled differently, she asserted, “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.” While she didn’t provide specific details, she claimed, “Like every new president, I will bring my life experiences, professional background, and fresh ideas.”

When asked about her call to “turn the page,” despite Democrats currently in power, Harris explained that she was referring to moving away from the divisive rhetoric of the past decade, especially that from Trump.

In a particularly charged moment, Harris referenced Trump’s recent comments about an “enemy from within.” Trump had suggested that the military might need to be involved to handle “radical left lunatics.” Harris countered that Trump was implying he would turn the military against American citizens. 

Baier played a clip of Trump suggesting that Democrats were the real threat. Harris responded, “With all due respect, that clip doesn’t reflect the rhetoric he has used when speaking about the American people. This is a democracy, and the president should be able to handle criticism without threatening to lock people up.”

On immigration, Harris expressed sorrow over the deaths of women killed by individuals who had been detained and released under the Biden administration but also criticized Trump for obstructing a bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year that would have increased border funding. “I am so sorry for her loss, sincerely,” she said in response to footage of a mother blaming Biden and Harris for her daughter’s death.

Harris indicated she no longer supports decriminalizing illegal border crossings, stating, “That was five years ago, and I will follow the law.” She gave similar responses regarding proposals for driver’s licenses and subsidized healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

Regarding Trump, she said, “People are exhausted by a so-called leader who focuses on personal grievances. He’s not stable.” She also sought to draw attention to Trump’s rhetoric about an “enemy within” and his threats to punish political opponents.

Baier pressed Harris on her confidence in Biden's mental acuity following his poor debate performance against Trump, which led to speculation about his candidacy. She defended Biden but added, “Joe Biden is not on the ballot; Donald Trump is.”

Trump’s campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized Harris as “angry and defensive,” asserting that she avoided taking responsibility for the issues facing Americans. She concluded that if Harris struggled with a Fox News interview, she wouldn’t be fit for the presidency.