The Harris and Trump NABJ interviews were wildly different — except in one way

Despite differences in their interviews and how they were received, neither candidate clarified their precise policy proposals, leaving voters without crucial answers less than 50 days before the election. In particular, their answers to questions about economic plans were unclear, all as the economy remains a key issue for many voters.

Between questioning Harris’ racial identity and whether she passed her bar exam — she did — Trump answered questions about how he would support black voters economically. He began by criticizing inflation and said it was “destroying the black community.” When pressed on his exact plans, Trump redirected the conversation to President Joe Biden’s debate performance, immigration policy and plans for electric vehicles.

Trump later said that immigrants were taking “black jobs,” which he defined as “anyone who has a job,” before switching back to a discussion of the border.

When they spoke to Harris, the moderators opened their conversation by asking if voters are doing better today than they were four years ago, and she responded, in part, by promoting the “Opportunity Economy.”

“Where all people have access to the resources to compete, to apply their incredible work ethic, their ambition, their aspirations and their dreams. And not just get by, but get ahead. I can talk more about that,” he said it. .

Harris referenced the policies listed on her website — specifically, she talked about homelessness, child care costs and elder care, referring to the policies detailed on her website. When the moderators asked how her economic policies would “materially change” the lives of black men, Harris again returned to the policies she has already outlined and her actions as vice president. She emphasized helping black entrepreneurs access capital, build generational wealth through ownership, and address medical debt.

“Part of the work I’ve done and will continue to do is identify, tell the truth about these obstacles and solve them,” she said. The conversation then turned to the war in Gaza, without Harris providing details on how he would implement his plans, many of which would require congressional support.

A similar dynamic played out during the debate — Trump spewed racist rhetoric about Haitian migrants in Ohio while Harris stayed on message. Many agreed that Harris won the debate, and polls show he had a narrow margin, but neither candidate made clear how they would execute on plans to help Americans economically.