On Monday, the United States vice president and Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris discussed the right of Americans to own firearms during a CBS News 60 Minutes interview, revealing that she owns a Glock pistol and outlining her economic plan. The exchange framed a candid look at how she positions gun policy alongside broad economic reforms in a national dialogue about safety, opportunity, and fiscal responsibility.
“I own a Glock and I’ve had it for quite a while”, Harris told journalist Bill Whitaker during an interview aired in a special election segment of the program. The remark underscored a willingness to acknowledge personal ownership while also addressing the politically sensitive issue of gun rights in a national leadership contest.
When asked whether she had fired the weapon, Harris flashed her signature smile and nodded. “Yes, at a shooting range. Yes, I have.” Her straightforward answer reflected a practice that she says informs her nuanced views on responsible ownership and safety, even as she contends with a polarized policy landscape.
This is not Harris’s first admission of firearm ownership. During a presidential debate, she explained that she and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, were gun owners who supported responsible policies and safeguards that align with voters’ concerns about public safety and personal responsibility.
Former President Donald Trump, who led the country from 2017 to 2021, has suggested that Harris would seek to curb gun rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment if she won the presidency. Harris has denied these claims, arguing that her stance centers on sensible regulation that protects both rights and safety while recognizing the needs of communities facing gun violence.
I have the best plan
Harris used the interview on the well-known program to lay out her economic proposals, emphasizing that the economy remains a top concern for voters and presenting her blueprint as a strong option to build on recent gains. Her comments framed a broader narrative about growth, resilience, and fair rules that support families and small businesses alike.
“Today the economy is thriving by almost every macroeconomic indicator”, she noted, highlighting achievements associated with the Biden administration and promising to keep unemployment rates low. She described a plan to address rising food prices, invest in small businesses, help the middle class, and restore the child tax credit for families with children under one year of age, a move she argues would strengthen family stability and economic security.
She was asked how she would tackle the three trillion dollar deficit, and she responded that taxes would rise on high earners and she expects congressional leaders to back her agenda. Her stance emphasized a broader strategy that weighs fiscal responsibility with the imperative to fund investments that fuel opportunity and growth.
“There are many leaders in Congress who understand that the tax cuts enacted during the Trump administration expanded the federal deficit”, she warned, adding that she is a capitalist who recognizes government constraints and the need to balance investment with responsible budgeting.
Response to the wars
The Democrat answered questions about the Israel and Gaza crisis as Hamas’s attack marks the first anniversary, stressing the need to end the fighting and pursue a path toward lasting peace. She declined to comment on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ignoring American requests.
She also stated that she would not hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a resolution to end the war in Ukraine. “Ukraine must have a say in its own future”, she asserted, signaling a commitment to national sovereignty and regional stability while balancing U.S. diplomatic priorities.
She sidestepped deeper discussion on immigration and the Biden administration’s approach to the rising number of irregular border crossings. “It is a long-standing issue. Solutions are within reach. From day one, we have been offering solutions”, she said, signaling a readiness to pursue pragmatic, humane policies that address root causes and implement effective management.
Harris used the interview to critique Trump for cancelling a planned appearance on the program last week in favor of rallies where she argued he focused more on himself and issuing personal attacks. The exchange highlighted a contrast in campaign styles as both candidates seek to mobilize their bases and appeal to voters in key states.
The Democratic candidate remains a leading figure in national polling. A FiveThirtyEight average shows her ahead of Trump by about 2.5 percentage points nationwide, though the margin in pivotal states remains more nuanced, illustrating the complex terrain of the race and the importance of state-level dynamics in shaping outcomes.