Kamala Harris’ sit-down interview could be a critical moment in her campaign

This is an adapted excerpt from the Aug. 25 episode of “Alex Witt Reports.”

This week, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to sit down for her first interview as a presidential candidate. Since entering the race, Harris has been criticized for her lack of interviews and press conferences. Earlier this month, she promised to sit down for an interview by the end of August. With less than a week to go, NBC News is now reporting Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, will take part in a joint interview in the coming days, though it’s unclear with whom or precisely when that will happen.  

This first interview is critically important for the Harris campaign. It could help keep up the incredible momentum she’s built since entering the race. It’s also a very important moment for the country. Republicans and Democrats alike need to see Harris engaged in an interview with a sober, serious reporter. She needs to be asked tough questions and provide answers to the American people — on the record.

Have any of her policy positions shifted since she ran for president in 2019? If so, why did those shifts occur? I’m sure she’ll get pressed on her role within the Biden-Harris administration on hot-button issues like immigration and the border. She may even get questions on foreign policy and the Afghanistan withdrawal.  

But, in some ways, it’s more about how the vice president answers these questions than the actual answers themselves. There will likely be some uncomfortable moments for Harris, but it’s those moments that are the most important. The American people need to see how she handles being asked tough questions and how she reacts under pressure. 

The Trump campaign’s first attack ad against Harris included an exchange between the vice president and NBC News’ Lester Holt during a 2021 interview. When Harris was asked by Holt why she had not visited the border as vice president she quipped back that she had also not been to Europe.

Is that the Harris we’ll see this week — defensive under pressure? Or will we see the strength and directness she’s displayed over the last four weeks? 

Allison Detzel contributed.