Sen. Kamala Harris on Wednesday gave her first solo interview as a Democratic presidential candidate, outlining her plan to boost the middle class and blasting rival Donald Trump’s comments on abortion.
Speaking with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the vice president portrayed Trump as a candidate who focuses on the wealthy at the expense of the middle class and argued that he is better equipped to handle the economy.
“The top economists in our country are comparing our plans and saying my plan will grow the economy and his plan will shrink the economy,” she said in an interview.
“Donald Trump made a lot of promises that he didn’t keep,” Harris said of her economic record.
Harris also expressed disdain for Trump’s comments on abortion, saying women should be trusted to make their own reproductive decisions. Her comments came after Trump called himself the “protector” of women at a Pennsylvania rally and claimed American women “would never think about abortion” if he was elected.
“Donald Trump is also someone who says that women have a right to make decisions about their bodies and their futures, yet they should be punished for making those decisions,” Harris said.
On a lighter note, Harris acknowledged that she had worked at McDonald’s, refuting Trump’s claim that she had not.
“One of the reasons I say I’ve worked at McDonald’s is because there are people who work at McDonald’s and are trying to provide for their families,” she said, referring to her economic policy plans to support working-class families.
“I think part of the difference between me and my opponent is how we view the needs of the American people and our responsibility to meet those needs,” Harris added.
The interview comes at a time when Harris has faced intense criticism for her lack of media interviews: Earlier this month, Axios reported that Harris and Walz’s campaigns have given fewer interviews than any candidate in modern history.
Trump and his Republican running mate, J.D. Vance, used it as an attack tool in their campaign speeches. In a statement, Vance responded to the news of Harris’ interview, saying, “As someone who wants to be president, this is really pathetic. Ruhle is clearly supporting Harris. She doesn’t ask the hard questions. Kamala runs from the hard questions because she can’t defend her record. If you want open borders and higher grocery prices, vote for Kamala for the status quo.”
In August, Harris and Waltz were interviewed on CNN in a primetime hour-long special hosted by Dana Bash. After the interview, Republicans criticized the joint interview with Waltz for being pre-recorded and not broadcast live.
Since then, Harris has given several interviews, mostly to local media and more niche forums, including an appearance with Spanish-language radio host and podcaster Stephanie “Chikibaby” Himonidis.
Harris also appeared last week at “Unite For America,” a livestreamed event with supporters hosted by Oprah Winfrey.
