Katie Couric didn’t hold back on her podcast ‘Next Question with Katie Couric’ when she criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her evasive answers and lack of preparation in high-profile interviews leading up to the election.
As reported by Fox News[1], Couric, a veteran journalist, had an in-depth discussion with MSNBC’s Jen Psaki, former Biden press secretary and longtime Democratic operative, where they dissected Harris’ media performances.
Jen Psaki, MSNBC host, speaks with Chelsea Handler, comedian, television host and author, during a featured session at South by Southwest Friday, March 10, 2023, in Austin. Chelsea Handler 007
Psaki described Harris’ Fox News interview with Bret Baier as one of her “better” moments, highlighting the value of being challenged by tough questions. Couric agreed but couldn’t help pointing out Harris’ glaring shortcomings.
“I always find that people do better when they’re asked really challenging, pointed questions,” Couric said, comparing Harris’ lack of finesse to Hillary Clinton’s polished responses under pressure. “If you’re giving them these almost weird, amorphous softballs, it’s really hard to hone your message.”
Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks to hundreds during a campaign event at the Oakland Expo Center in Waterford Township on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.
Couric admitted she was frustrated with Harris’ inability to answer questions directly and succinctly. She cited Harris’ dodgy response at a CNN town hall when asked about reforming the Supreme Court.
“She had an opportunity to talk about ethics and address what [Justices Samuel] Alito and Clarence Thomas were doing,” Couric remarked. “She answered, like, in one sentence, and then went on to something that had nothing to do with the question. People notice that—it’s like, ‘Answer the g-dd–n question, please!’”
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Katie Couric @katiecouric[4]
and @jrpsaki[5] Jen Psaki spoke about how bad of a candidate @KamalaHarris[6] was and how she was incapable of ever answering questions asked of her in a coherent manner.
The former Today host also brought up Harris’ infamous The View appearance, where she failed to distinguish her platform from President Biden’s, calling it “one of the most damaging things” for her campaign.
Couric questioned why Biden’s team didn’t proactively strategize a separation between Harris and his administration. “It was almost as if they were more afraid of hurting Joe Biden’s feelings than winning the election,” she said.
Psaki offered insight[9], describing the “fragility” within the Democratic Party as Biden stepped aside for Harris. Despite Biden’s status as a beloved figure among Democrats, Psaki acknowledged Harris faced an uphill battle navigating those political optics.
Couric wasn’t convinced. She criticized Harris for not preparing adequately, wondering why her team didn’t create a playbook for handling tough questions.
“It seems to me, if I were running for president, Jen, I would sit down with my brain trust, and I’d be like, ‘Okay, let’s play out these questions. What am I gonna say?'” Couric said. “Why didn’t they do that? Am I crazy?”
She also slammed Harris for going radio silent after being named the Democratic nominee, saying the lack of media appearances was “making me crazy as a consumer.” Psaki speculated the campaign was preparing for debates, but Couric wasn’t buying it.
Aug 29, 2024; Savannah, Georgia; USA; Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is greeted by Mashama Bailey, co-owner of The Grey, during a visit on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News-USA TODAY Network
“She should’ve been everywhere,” Couric emphasized, noting Harris missed a crucial opportunity to define herself early in the race.
In a rare moment of candor from a liberal media stalwart, Couric exposed what many on the right have long suspected—Kamala Harris’ struggles stem from more than media bias. Her failure to connect with voters and articulate clear positions is a self-inflicted wound that no amount of media spin can fix.
