Ruhle Discusses Exclusive Interview With Kamala
MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle didn’t mince words on Friday when discussing her recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
In what was Harris’ first solo interview since becoming the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, Ruhle reflected on the lack of detailed responses from Harris on key economic policies. According to Ruhle, this wasn’t a case of lenient questioning, but rather the reality of interviewing a seasoned politician.
Addressing the critiques that the interview may have been too soft, Ruhle dismissed the notion, stating that it’s typical for politicians to avoid giving overly detailed answers in interviews. “She doesn’t. You know why? Because she’s a politician, and none of them do. They all speak in platitudes,” Ruhle remarked during a segment on Morning Joe.
The host acknowledged that while Harris has an 80-page policy proposal filled with economic plans, the vice president often frames her responses in broad, visionary terms rather than delving into the fine print.
During the interview itself, Harris touched on various topics, including her stance on tariffs and economic policies geared toward working families. She criticized Donald Trump’s approach to tariffs, arguing that the issue should not be treated lightly.
Harris also outlined her own economic initiatives, such as her plan to offer $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers and a $6,000 child tax credit. However, Ruhle noted that despite these proposals, Harris still struggles to connect with voters on economic issues, especially when compared to her Republican rival.
Ruhle expressed disbelief at polling data showing Trump performing better with voters on economic issues, despite what she characterized as his failure to deliver for blue-collar workers during his presidency. She pointed out the discrepancy between public perception and actual policy outcomes, arguing that Harris needs to find a way to address this gap if she hopes to sway undecided voters.
Ruhle’s observations come in the wake of several recent polls highlighting this challenge. A September poll from the Associated Press and NORC found that Trump led Harris 43% to 41% on the economy.
A similar survey conducted by the New York Times and Siena College in mid-September showed Trump with a wider lead—54% to 41%—on economic issues. Despite Harris’ efforts to showcase her economic vision, these numbers suggest that many voters still view Trump as the stronger candidate on financial matters.