Staff Reports
“60 Minutes” isn’t letting the chaos of four years ago stop them from trying to snag another high-profile interview with Donald Trump. The network, infamous for its hit-piece style, is gearing up for its quadrennial interview special with the presidential candidates, aiming to air on October 7. This may soon become the last real chance for voters to size up the two candidates side by side before the elections. One has to wonder if they’ll be ready to handle the truth.
With an American Music Awards extravaganza scheduled the night before, CBS has set their sights squarely on Sunday, October 7, for the interview. Neither Trump nor Vice President Kamala Harris has officially committed to the appearance, but conversations are buzzing in the background. Trump’s campaign is advising supporters to “stay tuned,” while the Harris camp is apparently too busy to respond to requests for comment. Can they really expect to dodge one of the biggest interview platforms of the election season? Talk about running scared.
CBS’ ‘60 Minutes’ plans its presidential candidate showcase but will Trump and Harris show?https://t.co/dLn87OhHnu pic.twitter.com/LfU0NR4yf8
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 12, 2024
Bill Owens, executive producer of “60 Minutes,” seems to think any candidate turning down this opportunity would be a bad look. Leaving the interview on the table looks like a classic case of political cowardice, something conservatives might just enjoy pointing out as both candidates ponder the idea of appearing or not. After all, voters deserve to see their choices squirm a little under the glare of tough questions. It’s only fair.
It should be noted that the last interview between Trump and “60 Minutes” went off the rails, with the former President walking out after an aggressive interrogation by communist sympathizer Lesley Stahl. It’s no secret that mainstream media often skews interviews to paint conservatives in a poor light. This time, however, Trump is set to be interviewed by Scott Pelley, not exactly a stranger to media firestorms. Whether Pelley can keep his composure and let the facts speak for themselves remains to be seen.
On the flip side, Vice President Harris is being prepped for her turn under the camera, with Bill Whitaker taking the lead for her interview. The style of the show is shifting, seeming to lean away from crafted narratives in favor of live appearances. This could potentially backfire if either candidate misfires in their live delivery. After all, the debate stage isn’t the only place for gaffes, and voters are certainly hungry for some comedic relief—perhaps they should call it “The Vice President Gaffe Show” instead.
