Special Poll
Former President Donald Trump declined an offer from 60 Minutes to have back-to-back conversations with both presidential nominees.
Trump’s campaign stated that the decision was made because he didn’t want interruptions for fact-checking during the interview.
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to appear on 60 Minutes on October 7.
60 Minutes, the highest-rated news program on television, has stated that the invitation to Trump remains open.
Why it is Important:
- Trump has previously stated that it’s “too late” for another debate with Harris.
- The 60 Minutes interview would have been one of the last opportunities for both candidates to reach a large audience, with only 29 days remaining before Election Day.
- CBS stated that Trump initially accepted the offer but later pulled out.
What 60 Minutes is saying:
- In a tweet three hours before the vice-presidential debate, 60 Minutes confirmed its plans for a primetime election special airing on October 7 at 8 PM.
- The show emphasized that for over 50 years, it has invited both Democratic and Republican candidates to appear before the American public as elections approach.
- A 60 Minutes spokesperson added that:
- Both Harris and Trump’s campaigns had initially agreed to participate.
- Vice President Harris will be interviewed by Bill Whitaker, while Trump had initially accepted an interview request with Scott Pelley but later opted out.
- Pelley will address Trump’s decision during the broadcast on Monday evening.
- The Harris interview will air as scheduled on October 7, and 60 Minutes reiterated that its invitation to Trump still stands.
What Is Happening?
- CBS News revealed that the agreement was for each candidate to receive two segments of the broadcast, ensuring equal time for both.
- 60 Minutes will interview Harris and follow her on the campaign trail this week.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, is expected to join her during the interview.
Trump previously had issues with fact-checking during an onstage interview at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago last month.