CNN host Jake Tapper did not hold back in his critique of Vice President Kamala Harris’s performance during the recent presidential debate hosted by ABC.
On Wednesday, Tapper voiced his disappointment over Harris’s repeated avoidance of direct questions, particularly on key issues like the economy and the border.
In his post-debate commentary, Tapper opened by addressing Harris’s initial response to the night’s first question, which concerned the economy.
“It went on from there,” he remarked after playing a clip of Harris’s response. According to Tapper, despite the economy being “the number one issue facing the country,” Harris chose not to delve into the specifics of her economic policies.
Instead, she reverted to well-worn talking points, only touching briefly on a few policy proposals without offering substantial insight into what her administration would do if elected.
Tapper further pointed out that even some of Harris’s own allies expressed concern, urging her to focus more on what her presidency would mean for Americans.
“Even Harris allies today are saying that she needs to talk more about what she will do for Americans if elected,” he said.
The critique didn’t end there. Tapper highlighted another moment in the debate when Harris was asked about the crisis at the southern border.
When prompted on how she would have handled the situation differently from President Biden, Harris launched into a discussion about her past experience as a prosecutor.
“So I’m the only person on this stage who has prosecuted transnational criminal organizations for the trafficking of guns, drugs, and human beings,” Harris responded.
This answer did little to satisfy Tapper, who bluntly remarked, “M’kay, that wasn’t the question.” The underlying concern was Harris’s failure to directly address the specific challenges at the border and how her policies might differ from the current administration’s approach.
Tapper also drew attention to Harris’s handling of questions surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
When asked how she would break through the stalemate, Harris emphasized the need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, stating, “We need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out, and so we will continue to work around the clock on that.”
But Tapper, clearly unsatisfied with this vague response, pressed for more, asking, “OK. But again, how?”
While Tapper’s comments were sharp, he took care to clarify that he was not drawing a direct comparison between Harris and former President Donald Trump, another candidate who participated in the debate.
“While by no means are we equating the two performances last night, it is also true that at times both Trump and Harris fell short of giving straightforward answers to questions about how exactly they would run the country,” he noted.
The ABC debate itself faced criticism, with many accusing the moderators of being overly hostile toward Trump while giving Harris relatively easier treatment. This dynamic led to accusations of bias from viewers and media analysts alike.
Tapper, who co-moderated the CNN Presidential Debate in June between Trump and Biden, is known for his sharp and candid style of interviewing.
His comments about Harris reflect broader concerns about the lack of clarity in political discourse, particularly when it comes to addressing the pressing issues of the day.
With the economy, immigration, and foreign policy all being central to voters’ concerns, Tapper’s critique of Harris underscores the importance of transparency and specificity from candidates seeking the highest office in the land.
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