Trump: ‘60 Minutes’ producers ‘sliced and diced’ Harris interview
Former President Trump is railing against CBS News in response to an interview it aired with Vice President Harris as part of a “60 Minutes” special this week, suggesting the network selectively edited the piece to cast Harris in a positive light.
“I’ve never seen this before, but the producers of 60 Minutes sliced and diced (‘cut and pasted’) Lyin’ Kamala’s answers to questions, which were virtually incoherent, over and over again, some by as many as four times in a single sentence or thought, all in an effort, possibly illegal as part of the ‘News Division,’ which must be licensed, to make her look ‘more Presidential,’ or a least, better,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website Tuesday night.
The former president suggested the way the outlet edited the interview “may also be a major Campaign Finance Violation.”
“This is a stain on the reputation of 60 Minutes that is not recoverable – It will always remain with this once storied brand,” he continued. “I have never heard of such a thing being done in ‘News.’ It is the very definition of FAKE NEWS! The public is owed a MAJOR AND IMMEDIATE APOLOGY! This is an open and shut case, and must be investigated, starting today.”
Trump’s complaint appeared to be a reference to an answer Harris gave to a question about the war in Gaza that was not included in the full broadcast. The answer was published by the outlet online.
It is standard practice for broadcast outlets to edit questions and answers during interviews with major newsmakers for clarity, accuracy and time.
Harris was repeatedly pressed by CBS journalist Bill Whitaker during their wide-ranging conversation about how she will pay for her economic agenda, policy decisions made by the Biden administration on immigration and how she will appeal to swing state and Republican voters.
Trump initially committed to also participating in an extensive interview with “60 Minutes,” a long-running tradition for each presidential candidate for both major parties ahead of election day, before backing out days before taping.
“The campaign offered shifting explanations. First, it complained that we would fact-check the interview. We fact-check every story,” journalist Scott Pelley said at the beginning of Monday night’s special. “Both campaigns understood this special would go ahead if either candidate backed out.”
Trump has made criticism of mainstream media outlets a hallmark of his campaign for the White House this year.
The former president ridiculed the journalists who moderated his debate with Harris on ABC last month and has suggested both the Disney-owned network and Comcast, NBC’s parent company, be investigated for coverage that is not favorable to him.
Harris’s sit-down with “60 Minutes” came as part of a broader media blitz this week that has included an appearance on “The View,” an extensive conversation with radio host Howard Stern and a visit to the set of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Trump has largely kept his media appearances in recent weeks to appearances on Fox News, gaggles with local media and other conservative outlets.
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