On the mound, Bash throws many hardballs

For many Americans, what Vice President Kamala Harris said on CNN Thursday night was less interesting than what she was asked by CNN anchor Dana Bash.

Even before the interview aired, many MAGA heads were all over social media  squawking that because CNN taped it, the network “would be editing out all the dumb things she said.” Their words, not mine. And that Bash would be throwing softballs, or cream puffs.

Keep in mind, no pitcher throws nothing but hardballs. A successful pitcher throws hard, soft, curves, sliders. You don’t have to growl to be tough.

I would have preferred it live, and without “human shield” Tim Walz, as Team Trump humorously described him. Maybe I just don’t like threesomes. The interview was “live on tape,” which means without editing. And — surprise! Only 49 minutes in an hour time slot, with many minutes spent on introductory pieces and bridges between segments. 

One test I apply to Bash: Did she make Kamala squirm? 

Even though she remained soft spoken, and a bit chummy, Bash did make Kamala squirm, at least twice.

Such as when she drilled down on fracking, pun intended.

“Do you still want to ban fracking?“ Bash asked, straight up.

“I will not ban fracking,” Harris said.

You changed from 2020, Bash said.

“It will not change,” Kamala said.

Bash persisted, asking what made Harris change.

“My values have not changed,” Harris said.

Bash missed one here: How do your values not change, but your policies do?

She asked Harris if she regretted describing Joe Biden as “exceptionally strong,” even after the disastrous debate with Donald J. Trump?

“No, not at all,” said Harris, then launching into a longer statement in which she said, “We want to turn the page on the last decade of which I believe has been contrary to where the spirit of the country lies.”

Bash pounced, pointing out the last 3 ½ years have been her and Biden.

Harris barely flinched. “I’m talking about an era,” she said gamely.

Another hard ball was the question about the border, why it took Biden 3 ½ years of record illegal crossings to finally act?

Harris offered some double talk about historic investments in Central America. She then segued into the failed bipartisan bill that Trump wanted killed.

Bash followed up with another hardball, reminding Harris she said in 2019 illegal crossings should be decriminalized.

“There are laws that have to be followed and enforced,” Harris said, retreating from her previous position. 

Softballs included questions like what you would do on Day One — support and strengthen the middle class, she said.

Bash also wanted to know — in a classic inside baseball question — would she appoint Republicans to her cabinet? I can’t think of a question less important to voters, but the answer was she would, but would not throw any names out there.

Kind of a slowball was asking how Harris would improve the economy? She would create an “opportunity economy,” attack price gouging, create affordable housing, offer a $25,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, and more.

Why haven’t you done it already, asked Bash, zipping one under Harris’ chin.

A slowball was a question on the Gaza war, because Harris has answered it before.

She said Israel has a right to self defense and said the U.S. would offer “unwavering support” for Israel, while at the same time seeking peace, and hoping for a two-state solution.

Walz had trouble with difficult questions about his service misstatements, a mistake about using IDF fertility, and continuing questions about a DUI arrest.

He did not come off as well as Bash and Harris, but I didn’t tune in to hear him.