On the latest episode of HBO’s “Real Time,” MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens engaged in a heated discussion about 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies and her ability to answer tough questions.
Ruhle began by acknowledging that Harris is in a difficult position on Israel policy, given her role as sitting Vice President. Stephens responded by questioning whether Harris is being intentionally vague on the issue or if she simply lacks a clear understanding of it.
Ruhle pushed back against Stephens’ suggestion, arguing that it’s unfair to imply that Harris is uninformed on the topic. Stephens countered that Americans have a right to know where Harris stands on key issues, including foreign policy, and that her vagueness on these topics is a concern.
The conversation turned to the contrast between Harris and her Republican counterpart, former President Donald Trump. Ruhle argued that while Harris may not have all the answers, Trump’s views are well-known and pose a significant threat to democracy. Stephens acknowledged that he would never vote for Trump, but emphasized that voters deserve to know more about Harris’s policies and vision for the country.
Stephens expressed frustration that Harris has not been willing to sit down for in-depth interviews, instead opting for more superficial discussions. Ruhle countered that voters are not looking for perfection in a candidate, but rather a choice between two options. She argued that Harris is running against Trump, and that voters know exactly what they would get with a Trump presidency.
The debate continued, with Stephens pressing for more substance from Harris on issues like inflation, immigration, and foreign policy. Ruhle responded by suggesting that voters are often faced with difficult choices and that the presidential election is ultimately a game of “would you rather.”
