Vice President Kamala Harris sat down for a tense and confrontational interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, sparking widespread reaction on social media. The interview, part of Harris’s effort to reach voters who may not have seen much of her, covered contentious topics like immigration, President Joe Biden’s fitness for office, and former President Donald Trump’s threats against his political opponents.
The interview, Harris’s first on Fox News, was marked by frequent interruptions as Baier tried to steer the conversation toward pro-Trump talking points, leading to sharp responses from Harris. Social media was quick to react, with many commentators criticizing Baier’s aggressive approach.
“Harris does a nice job landing attacks on Trump when Baier lets her complete a thought,” observed progressive journalist Aaron Rupar. He noted Baier’s attempts to bait Harris into saying something negative about Trump supporters, calling the host’s tactics “shameful.” Rupar praised Harris’s ability to hold her ground and deliver a strong response.
Investigative documentarian Lauren Windsor also commented on the interview, writing, “Kamala Harris is on Fox News with Bret Baier right now and getting feisty calling out his BS. I seem to remember people saying she was afraid of the media, and yet lo, here she is in the lion’s den.”
Former Naval War College professor and Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols compared the interview to an attack ad. “Watching the Harris interview on Fox. This is basically an extended Willie Horton ad,” he wrote, expressing his surprise at how aggressive Baier was during the conversation.
National security attorney Bradley Moss also weighed in, saying, “Wow, Baier definitely went after her here. That’s fine, I have no problem with that. But I can’t wait to see the Trump sycophants get amnesia about how he walked out of an interview when he was pressed on issues aggressively. He fled. Baier literally demanded Harris apologize. She took on the issue and gave her response.”
Former prosecutor and Virginia Lt. Gov. candidate Gene Rossi praised Harris’s performance, tweeting, “On the Defamation Network @FoxNews, Candidate @KamalaHarris hit a Yankee Judge home run! Bravo!”
USA Today columnist Rex Huppke questioned Baier’s conduct, asking, “Has a journalist ever behaved that obnoxiously to a sitting vice president? Good lord. Ask the strong questions, of course, and ask follow-ups. But Bret Baier just constantly talked over her. Incessantly. It was absolutely shameful.”
The interview highlighted Harris’s willingness to engage with tough questions, though many felt Baier’s approach crossed the line into disrespect.