CBS News’ “60 Minutes” is facing mounting pressure to release the complete transcript of Bill Whitaker’s interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, which aired on Monday, October 7. The network has been the focus of public outrage after airing an edited version of the interview that has drawn widespread criticism. Critics allege that the editing concealed unfavorable moments from the vice president’s responses.
Calls for Transparency Grow Louder
Bari Weiss, editor of The Free Press, took to social media on Saturday to demand the release of the unedited transcript, stating, “60 Minutes should release the unedited transcript of the Kamala Harris interview.” The Free Press also published an editorial, calling on the show to be transparent and “release the Unedited Kamala Harris Transcript.”
The controversy intensified after the version of the interview aired during the “60 Minutes” election special featured a different clip from a preview of the interview, which showed a tense exchange between Harris and Whitaker that was heavily panned by critics. The Free Press editorial read, “Given the stakes here—a rare interview with a presidential candidate a month before a very close election—you would think CBS would do the same. But no transcript has been forthcoming.”
Pressure from Multiple Fronts
The New York Post editorial board echoed similar sentiments, demanding that “60 Minutes” release the full transcript of the interview. “With even the Harris-Walz campaign disavowing CBS’ hack editing job of Bill Whitaker’s interview with the Democratic nominee, the network’s only hope of regaining any credibility is to release the full transcript,” the editors wrote.
“Given how awful Harris looked even after CBS chose to deceive its viewers, this may well be the last serious interview she does before Election Day: The network has a clear duty to the public to share the whole thing,” the New York Post editorial continued.
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the integrity of the interview needed to be restored.
“Totally agree that Vice President Kamala Harris’ 60 Minutes interview transcript should be released in its entirety. The transcript will speak for itself and there is no reason not to clear the air,” Graham stated.
Outrage on Social Media
The outrage extended to social media, with notable personalities chiming in. “If you’re someone who doesn’t think CBS should release the unedited transcript, then you are the problem,” OutKick’s Riley Gaines tweeted.
Mollie Hemingway from The Federalist also criticized CBS, writing, “The fact that CBS @60Minutes is refusing to release the full, unedited transcript of its interview with Kamala Harris is a huge scandal. Suggests that much of the entire finished product was manipulative and deceitful, and not just the one horrible example that was discovered.”
Sportscaster Michele Tafoya similarly called on CBS to address the matter, saying, “CBS should release the transcript… admit to the editing… and attempt to rehabilitate itself.”
Clashing Clips Spark Controversy
CBS aired an edited clip from the exchange between Harris and Whitaker on “Well Bill, the work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel that were very much prompted by, or a result of, many things, including our advocacy for what needs to happen in the region.”
However, in the full clip that aired during “60 Minutes,” Harris said, “We are not going to stop pursuing what is necessary for the United States to be clear about where we stand on the need for this war to end.”
The Path Forward
CBS News has yet to comment on the controversy, despite growing pressure from editorial boards, public figures, and concerned citizens. The network’s credibility is on the line, as critics urge them to release the complete, unedited version of the interview to allow viewers to judge for themselves.
