CBS News announced that Donald Trump has declined to participate in an interview with “60 Minutes” for its election special airing next Monday, leaving Democratic opponent Kamala Harris to be the sole guest. Typically, “60 Minutes” invites both presidential contenders for separate interviews that air back-to-back near the election. While Trump’s campaign initially agreed to an interview, they later informed CBS that he would not be appearing. Despite Trump’s absence, the network has left the invitation open and correspondent Scott Pelley will address the situation on air. Vice President Harris will be participating in a pre-taped interview with Bill Whitaker.
With no other scheduled opportunities for voters to compare the two candidates directly, the absence of Trump from the “60 Minutes” election special leaves Harris as the sole representative in this forum. Harris and Trump previously debated on Sept. 10, and while Harris has accepted an invitation from CNN for a second debate later in the month, Trump has not agreed to participate. The election special is set to air on Monday instead of the usual Sunday time slot, due to CBS airing the American Music Awards on Sunday.
Trump’s previous interview with “60 Minutes” correspondent Lesley Stahl before the 2020 election was contentious, with Trump ending the session early and his campaign posting an unedited transcript of the interview. The interview special on Monday will mark the only opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates ahead of the election. CBS News was also hosting the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, featuring Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota.
The decision by Trump to decline the interview with “60 Minutes” raises questions and concerns about the transparency and accessibility of the candidates in the lead-up to the election. With voters relying on media coverage and debates to make informed decisions, Trump’s absence from this particular platform may impact voters’ perceptions of his candidacy. The debate between Harris and Trump on “60 Minutes” would have provided a valuable opportunity for voters to compare the candidates’ positions and plans for the country side by side.
The role of media in providing voters with access to the candidates and their policies is crucial in a democratic society. The decision by Trump to decline the “60 Minutes” interview highlights the challenges in ensuring equal and fair coverage of both candidates. As the election draws nearer, voters will continue to seek information and insights into the platforms and positions of the presidential contenders. The interview special on Monday will be a significant event in providing voters with the opportunity to hear directly from one of the candidates.
