Harris signals departure from Biden policies in tense Fox News chat

In a tense interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris clarified that her presidency would represent a break from Joe Biden’s administration, should she be elected in the 2024 election. Harris also criticized Donald Trump for his divisive rhetoric and the threats he continues to make against what he calls “the enemy within.”

Speaking to Fox News’ chief political anchor Bret Baier, Harris stressed that her leadership style and vision for the country would be distinct from Biden’s. The interview followed a rally Harris held with over 100 Republican officials in Pennsylvania, marking the first time she has sat down for an in-depth interview with the conservative news network.

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“My presidency will not continue Joe Biden’s presidency,” Harris said firmly. “Like every new president, I will bring my life experiences, professional background, and fresh ideas to the table. I represent a new generation of leadership.”

Harris’ remarks come at a crucial time, as both she and Trump are gearing up for what is expected to be a contentious race. The interview, which lasted 25 minutes, saw Harris addressing a range of issues from immigration and transgender rights to the Biden administration’s track record. Baier, known for his more neutral stance compared to Fox’s primetime hosts, nonetheless pressed Harris on topics central to the rightwing political agenda.

When asked if there was anything she would have done differently from Biden, Harris said: “For example, as someone who has not spent most of my career in Washington, I welcome ideas from across the political spectrum, including from the Republicans who were just on stage with me and from the business sector. I believe in fresh perspectives.”

Harris was also questioned about recent polls showing that a significant portion of Americans believe the country is on the “wrong track.” In response, she noted that part of the public’s dissatisfaction is due to a sense of fatigue, both with Biden and with Trump, who has been a prominent political figure since his 2016 presidential run.

Harris pointed out that several former high-ranking members of Trump’s administration now view him as “unfit to serve” and “unstable,” a sentiment she believes resonates with many voters. “People are tired of a leader who spends his time engaging in personal grievances and demeaning the American people,” she said.

Baier challenged her by asking why, despite these criticisms, Trump continues to have strong support, suggesting that nearly half the country is behind him. Harris was quick to push back on the idea that Trump’s supporters were being dismissed or insulted.

“I would never say that about the American people,” Harris responded. “If you listen to Donald Trump at his rallies, he’s the one who tends to belittle, diminish, and demean the American people. He’s the one who talks about an ‘enemy within,’ referring to his political opponents and even suggesting he would turn the military against the American people.”

This part of the conversation was particularly pointed, as it followed Trump’s earlier appearance on a Fox News town hall, where he reiterated his claim that the U.S. was threatened by an “enemy within.” Trump had specifically mentioned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats as part of this so-called internal enemy, suggesting that the military should deal with them.

Harris firmly condemned Trump’s language and warned of its dangerous implications for national unity. “When a leader uses such divisive rhetoric, it tears at the fabric of our democracy,” she said.

Trump, meanwhile, had taken to social media to criticize Baier for agreeing to interview Harris, accusing the anchor of being “soft on the Democrats.” However, Baier’s interview maintained a focus on issues central to the Republican platform, including immigration and healthcare.

At one point, Baier played a 2019 clip of Harris expressing support for gender-affirming surgeries for transgender prisoners, a topic that has become a focal point of right-wing attacks against the vice president. In response, Harris noted that under Trump’s administration, these procedures were also provided in federal prisons on a case-by-case basis, a point she used to deflect the criticism.

“Frankly, the Trump campaign ad is a little bit hypocritical,” she remarked. “They are throwing stones from a glass house.”

As the 2024 campaign ramps up, both Harris and Trump are running neck and neck in key battleground states. Harris has been making a series of high-profile media appearances, including interviews with CBS’s 60 Minutes, The View, and Call Her Daddy. She is also reportedly in talks to appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast, a platform that boasts millions of listeners, especially among younger men.

Trump, who has refused to participate in a second debate with Harris, has also expressed interest in appearing on Rogan’s show. His campaign has spent millions on targeted ads, particularly around issues of immigration and transgender rights, two topics that frequently come up in his attacks on Harris.

Despite the criticism, Harris remains focused on conveying her message of inclusivity and a new leadership direction. “I believe in bringing people together,” she told Baier. “Our country is at its strongest when we work together, regardless of party lines.”

Harris also took the opportunity to thank Biden for his service while emphasizing that her presidency would represent a shift. “President Biden has worked tirelessly for this country, but every leader brings something new,” she said.

As the 2024 election looms, the contrast between Harris and Trump could not be starker. While Trump continues to focus on grievances and division, Harris is positioning herself as a leader who embraces change, diversity, and new ideas. With both candidates now vying for swing-state voters, their starkly different visions for the future of America are set to define the months ahead.

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