Vice President Kamala Harris will sit down with Fox News' chief political anchor, Bret Baier, for her first formal interview with the network, signaling an effort to reach a broader audience as the 2024 presidential election approaches. The interview is set to air Wednesday evening during Baier's Special Report broadcast and will take place in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. The strategic media appearance comes as Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, intensify their campaign efforts just weeks before Election Day.
Fox News announced the interview on Tuesday, and Baier has been actively promoting the event, emphasizing his commitment to providing a fair and balanced platform. This interview follows a series of recent media appearances by Harris, including high-profile spots on 60 Minutes, The View, and the Howard Stern Show, as well as popular podcasts like Call Her Daddy. The vice president's media blitz is seen as part of a larger effort to connect with undecided voters and those outside the Democratic base.
Former President Donald Trump, Harris' Republican opponent, was quick to respond, taking to his social media platform Truth Social. "Lyin' Kamala Harris has wisely chosen Bret Baier...though often very soft to those on the 'cocktail circuit' Left," Trump wrote. Trump also announced that he would appear on Fox News the same day as Harris, participating in a pre-taped town hall event focusing on issues impacting women.
Political strategist Steve Schmidt, known for his sharp criticisms of Trump and his transformation from a Republican to a Democratic ally, expressed strong opinions on Harris' upcoming interview. Writing in his newsletter, The Warning with Steve Schmidt, he advised Harris to seize the opportunity to "hold Fox News to account for all the damage and the lies." Schmidt argued that Harris should embody the resolve of former President Ronald Reagan during the interview, emphasizing the dangers posed by Trump and his "fascist movement." He added, "Tonight, Kamala Harris should look Bret Baier in the eye, and seize Ronald Reagan's mantle."
Schmidt's remarks reflect the broader expectations among Democrats that Harris must deliver a powerful performance. The political strategist further emphasized the importance of this moment for Harris, noting she has a "limited window" to galvanize support and demonstrate the urgency of the upcoming election. "Kamala Harris has 20 days to become something that transcends the ordinary, and inspires millions of people," Schmidt wrote.
Not all Democrats agree with Harris' approach, however. Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville criticized her strategy of participating in multiple interviews, expressing his concerns during a segment on CNN. Carville stated, "I'm not a fan of doing interviews with different people because the problem with the interview is you have to answer questions that the interviewer asks you." He suggested that Harris focus on going on the offensive against Trump instead of responding to media inquiries.
Carville's critique highlights the division within the Democratic Party on how best to approach the final stretch of the campaign. Harris' decision to appear on Fox News, traditionally a platform for conservative voices, indicates a calculated risk aimed at persuading undecided voters who might lean Republican or Independent. Some strategists view this as a necessary move to broaden the Democratic coalition, while others caution that it could backfire, given the hostile nature of the network's audience.
Bret Baier, who has positioned himself as a fair and balanced journalist, has moderated numerous Republican debates and town halls. However, Baier has also faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. During the 2020 election, he came under fire for his role in Fox News' decision to call Arizona for Joe Biden before other networks, a move that angered Trump and his supporters. Recent reports revealed that Baier privately expressed concerns about the call and even communicated with former primetime host Tucker Carlson to discuss delaying further election results.
Fox News has stood by its decision, insisting that its Arizona call was based on accurate data. Baier has since tried to repair his image by engaging with critics on social media, promising that Harris' interview will be aired "as-live" and unedited, and offering to share the transcript for transparency. Despite his assurances, Trump has continued to criticize the anchor, questioning his neutrality.
In a sign of growing tension within the network, Baier has clashed with colleagues and executives over editorial decisions. Reports indicate that he raised concerns with Fox leadership about Carlson's post-election commentary, particularly regarding the Capitol riot. Carlson, who was dismissed by Fox in 2023, had supported Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud, a stance that Baier publicly and privately opposed.
The upcoming interview is expected to be a pivotal moment for Harris as she attempts to counter Trump's influence on a network that has historically provided him with a sympathetic platform. Harris' spokesperson did not comment directly on the interview but indicated that the campaign is committed to expanding its outreach in the critical final weeks.
Polling averages from FiveThirtyEight show a close race between Harris and Trump, with Harris holding a slight edge at 48.6 percent support to Trump's 46 percent as of Wednesday. Analysts from the Silver Bullet political consultancy firm described the race as "a pure tossup," with both candidates having a 50 percent chance of winning the Electoral College.
