Hi everyone, I'm Kitty Kuric, and this is next question. It's hard to believe, but the twenty twenty four election is less than a year away. What's even harder to believe, As Yogi Bear would say, it's deja vu all over again. Yep, that's right, Biden versus Trump. We've been hearing a lot about the Republican side of the campaign with the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary and now Super Tuesday is just over a month away, but we haven't been hearing as much from the current administration. That's why I was thrilled to jump on a train, brave the elements and head to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to sit down with Vice President Kamala Harris. By the way, these interviews can be very usful. She's an incredibly busy person, so they only gave me thirty minutes, and I had a lot to cover, abortion, immigration, Israel, Gaza, the administration's historically low approval ratings despite their many accomplishments, Trump voters and some crucial voting blocks that don't necessarily think the second time's a charm. First of all, thank you so much for being here for agreeing to have this conversation. I'm very excited to talk to you about everything you're doing. Before we sat down, we both had a little something we needed to clear up. Why did I think you were much taller? I recently learned you're only five too.

Hi everyone, I'm Kitty Kuric, and this is next question. It's hard to believe, but the twenty twenty four election is less than a year away. What's even harder to believe, As Yogi Bear would say, it's deja vu all over again. Yep, that's right, Biden versus Trump. We've been hearing a lot about the Republican side of the campaign with the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary and now Super Tuesday is just over a month away, but we haven't been hearing as much from the current administration. That's why I was thrilled to jump on a train, brave the elements and head to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to sit down with Vice President Kamala Harris. By the way, these interviews can be very usful. She's an incredibly busy person, so they only gave me thirty minutes, and I had a lot to cover, abortion, immigration, Israel, Gaza, the administration's historically low approval ratings despite their many accomplishments, Trump voters and some crucial voting blocks that don't necessarily think the second time's a charm. First of all, thank you so much for being here for agreeing to have this conversation. I'm very excited to talk to you about everything you're doing. Before we sat down, we both had a little something we needed to clear up. Why did I think you were much taller? I recently learned you're only five too.

Is that absolutely incorrect?

Is that absolutely incorrect?

Okay?

Okay?

I am five four and a quarter. Okay, four and a half and with heels, which I always around five seven and a half. Thank you very much.

I am five four and a quarter. Okay, four and a half and with heels, which I always around five seven and a half. Thank you very much.

Okay, Wikipedia, you're wrong, and we need to go on.

Okay, Wikipedia, you're wrong, and we need to go on.

I've said this to my team, like what, I don't know where it came from.

I've said this to my team, like what, I don't know where it came from.

I was five to when I was twelve, they say I'm five to one on my Wikipedia page by three and three quarters right and shrinking.

I was five to when I was twelve, they say I'm five to one on my Wikipedia page by three and three quarters right and shrinking.

It's like, literally they just want to just make us smaller in every way.

It's like, literally they just want to just make us smaller in every way.

I know, but I but I was excited because I'm short, and I was like, oh, kamalo.

I know, but I but I was excited because I'm short, and I was like, oh, kamalo.

No, I am not. I am not just trying to take two and a half inches off my you know. Correct.

No, I am not. I am not just trying to take two and a half inches off my you know. Correct.

Yes, we started with a topic that's proving to be a powerful driver for Democrats. I know that Vice President harrisher embarking on a Reproductive Freedoms tour to highlight the harm caused by abortion bands and restrictive laws following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This is an issue that has resonated so much with Democratic voters and I'm curious, what is your goal as you travel around the country.

Yes, we started with a topic that's proving to be a powerful driver for Democrats. I know that Vice President harrisher embarking on a Reproductive Freedoms tour to highlight the harm caused by abortion bands and restrictive laws following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This is an issue that has resonated so much with Democratic voters and I'm curious, what is your goal as you travel around the country.

Well, my my goal, my ultimate goal is that we will build up the support to build and get a Congress that will pass a bill to restore the protections of Roe into law, and President Joe Biden will sign it. But then let's take a step back. So I'm starting the We're naming the Fight for Our Reproductive Freedom's Tour, and it'll begin on January twenty second, which is the fifty first anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. And Katie, you know I mean you, and I'm going to speak for you. I think I could im accurate most of our adult or our conscious lives right when we were able to be aware of what is happening in the world. Roe v. Wade was the law of the land.

Well, my my goal, my ultimate goal is that we will build up the support to build and get a Congress that will pass a bill to restore the protections of Roe into law, and President Joe Biden will sign it. But then let's take a step back. So I'm starting the We're naming the Fight for Our Reproductive Freedom's Tour, and it'll begin on January twenty second, which is the fifty first anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. And Katie, you know I mean you, and I'm going to speak for you. I think I could im accurate most of our adult or our conscious lives right when we were able to be aware of what is happening in the world. Roe v. Wade was the law of the land.

Row pass when I was in tenth grade, so.

Row pass when I was in tenth grade, so.

It was the law of the land for almost the entirety of our adult lives. And you know, I'll speak for myself now. You know I always pro choice pro choice. Whenever there was a moment where we had to speak about the protecting role, would let us protect row. But honestly, I pretty much, I think most of us pretty much, we were pretty certain it would always be here. And look what happened. The highest court in our land took a constitutional right that had been recognized from the people of America, from the women of America. And the day that that decision came down, the world in so many ways in terms of a lived experience for the women of America changed in a drastic way. After the Dobs decision, which undid ROW, came down, states around our country proposed and passed laws that would punish women, criminalize health care providers, ban abortion in some cases, even in the situation of rape or incess. As you know, I spent a lot of my career as a prosecutor, and one of the reasons I became a prosecutor of started to share the story more. My best friend in high school, when we were in high school, I learned was being molested by her stepfather. And when I learned that, I said, well, you have to come and stay with us. I called my mother. My mother said, of course, she has to come stay with us, and she did, and so I decided I wanted to do the work that was about protecting women and children from violence. And the majority of my career as a prosecutor was focused on crimes against women and children. So bringing that back to the point of no exception even for rape or ancest So these extremist so called leaders are basically saying to a survivor of a crime of violence to their body, a violation of their body, saying to these survivors, and you don't have the authority or right to make a decision about what happens to your body next. That's immoral. That's immoral. And what I have seen traveling our country listening to women who have been directly affected because of these laws is the stories of women having miscarriages in toilets. Katie, There's a woman in Texas who I've spent some time with. She and he her husband. She wanted to become pregnant, she wanted to have children, but her pregnancy then she was having a miscarriage. She went to the emergency room, she was denied care because the hospital workers were so afraid that they might get sued or be committing something against the law that they would not give her care. It was only when she went back because she had developed sepsis that they gave her care. Women around our country are experiencing a profound harm because of these laws as a result of that Supreme Court decision, and many of the stories are untold. Many of these cases are women who are silently suffering. And the other layer of this Katie that really should be addressed and understood is how these extremists are framing the discussion in a way that really is about judging women as though they've done something wrong, something they should be embarrassed about. And as we know, when people are already going through a moment in their life where they need support, not judgment, and where they then feel because of this environment that they've done something wrong, they're going to silence the suffer and they're going to fill alone, which is very disempowering. And so when I travel our country listening to these stories, hearing these women and thinking about this issue and how it is taking place in terms of the effect in real time, I feel compelled to travel as I've been, to organize folks and talk with folks about why we all should stand for these basic freedoms, the right of an individual to make decisions about their own body.

It was the law of the land for almost the entirety of our adult lives. And you know, I'll speak for myself now. You know I always pro choice pro choice. Whenever there was a moment where we had to speak about the protecting role, would let us protect row. But honestly, I pretty much, I think most of us pretty much, we were pretty certain it would always be here. And look what happened. The highest court in our land took a constitutional right that had been recognized from the people of America, from the women of America. And the day that that decision came down, the world in so many ways in terms of a lived experience for the women of America changed in a drastic way. After the Dobs decision, which undid ROW, came down, states around our country proposed and passed laws that would punish women, criminalize health care providers, ban abortion in some cases, even in the situation of rape or incess. As you know, I spent a lot of my career as a prosecutor, and one of the reasons I became a prosecutor of started to share the story more. My best friend in high school, when we were in high school, I learned was being molested by her stepfather. And when I learned that, I said, well, you have to come and stay with us. I called my mother. My mother said, of course, she has to come stay with us, and she did, and so I decided I wanted to do the work that was about protecting women and children from violence. And the majority of my career as a prosecutor was focused on crimes against women and children. So bringing that back to the point of no exception even for rape or ancest So these extremist so called leaders are basically saying to a survivor of a crime of violence to their body, a violation of their body, saying to these survivors, and you don't have the authority or right to make a decision about what happens to your body next. That's immoral. That's immoral. And what I have seen traveling our country listening to women who have been directly affected because of these laws is the stories of women having miscarriages in toilets. Katie, There's a woman in Texas who I've spent some time with. She and he her husband. She wanted to become pregnant, she wanted to have children, but her pregnancy then she was having a miscarriage. She went to the emergency room, she was denied care because the hospital workers were so afraid that they might get sued or be committing something against the law that they would not give her care. It was only when she went back because she had developed sepsis that they gave her care. Women around our country are experiencing a profound harm because of these laws as a result of that Supreme Court decision, and many of the stories are untold. Many of these cases are women who are silently suffering. And the other layer of this Katie that really should be addressed and understood is how these extremists are framing the discussion in a way that really is about judging women as though they've done something wrong, something they should be embarrassed about. And as we know, when people are already going through a moment in their life where they need support, not judgment, and where they then feel because of this environment that they've done something wrong, they're going to silence the suffer and they're going to fill alone, which is very disempowering. And so when I travel our country listening to these stories, hearing these women and thinking about this issue and how it is taking place in terms of the effect in real time, I feel compelled to travel as I've been, to organize folks and talk with folks about why we all should stand for these basic freedoms, the right of an individual to make decisions about their own body.

Pragmatically speaking, Man and Vice President, The composition of the Supreme Court is unlikely to change anytime soon, it seems, So what can you realistically do? You were talking about electing people to Congress and passing a law of federal law protecting a woman's right to choose in the interim, are there any other things that can be done to prevent these women from suffering the way they have been, and particularly in very restrictive states like Texas, Idaho, and Tennessee.

Pragmatically speaking, Man and Vice President, The composition of the Supreme Court is unlikely to change anytime soon, it seems, So what can you realistically do? You were talking about electing people to Congress and passing a law of federal law protecting a woman's right to choose in the interim, are there any other things that can be done to prevent these women from suffering the way they have been, and particularly in very restrictive states like Texas, Idaho, and Tennessee.

Well, I'll start with what our administration is working on, which includes fighting for an informing states about the responsibility to administer emergency care, the duty to administer emergency care, and so that is part of what we are doing. There is a law that the acronym is m Tala, but it basically says people cannot be denied emergency care. There is the work that we are doing to protect access to contraception, which is a real issue here. There's work I've been doing, for example, to convene university presidents who of course have as the vast maj athority of their student population. People who are in the height of their reprotective years, to ensure that they are doing what they can to protect medical records, to protect privacy, to make allowances if, for example, a student has an unwanted pregnancy and can't receive medical care in their state needs to leave, which means miss time from class, to make sure that that student is not punished because they had to leave the state even though they would have preferred to stay where they were. So this is some of the work. The other work is around just talking with people about the realities of it all, for example, pointing out that I think we all agree that one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body. If she chooses, she will consult with her priests or rabbi, her past or you mom, but it should not be the government telling her what to do. So there are many layers to the work that I think needs to be done, including reminding the individuals who are going through this right now, the women who are going through it right now, that they're not alone, and that we hear them and we see them, we do not judge them. And we want them to have the support that they so rightly need.

Well, I'll start with what our administration is working on, which includes fighting for an informing states about the responsibility to administer emergency care, the duty to administer emergency care, and so that is part of what we are doing. There is a law that the acronym is m Tala, but it basically says people cannot be denied emergency care. There is the work that we are doing to protect access to contraception, which is a real issue here. There's work I've been doing, for example, to convene university presidents who of course have as the vast maj athority of their student population. People who are in the height of their reprotective years, to ensure that they are doing what they can to protect medical records, to protect privacy, to make allowances if, for example, a student has an unwanted pregnancy and can't receive medical care in their state needs to leave, which means miss time from class, to make sure that that student is not punished because they had to leave the state even though they would have preferred to stay where they were. So this is some of the work. The other work is around just talking with people about the realities of it all, for example, pointing out that I think we all agree that one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body. If she chooses, she will consult with her priests or rabbi, her past or you mom, but it should not be the government telling her what to do. So there are many layers to the work that I think needs to be done, including reminding the individuals who are going through this right now, the women who are going through it right now, that they're not alone, and that we hear them and we see them, we do not judge them. And we want them to have the support that they so rightly need.

I also think there's a lot of disinformation about late term abortions, absolutely, and I think a lot of misconceptions about that as well, that women are having abortions, you know, before their baby, you know, right before the baby is born, and these horror stories about that. How can you educate the public that even rowe had restrictions on the third trimester.

I also think there's a lot of disinformation about late term abortions, absolutely, and I think a lot of misconceptions about that as well, that women are having abortions, you know, before their baby, you know, right before the baby is born, and these horror stories about that. How can you educate the public that even rowe had restrictions on the third trimester.

Well not only that, but let's just remember that before the Dodds decision, this was not an issue that was being debated about whether women were doing these things that people are now describing as.

Well not only that, but let's just remember that before the Dodds decision, this was not an issue that was being debated about whether women were doing these things that people are now describing as.

Possible or partial birth abortion.

Possible or partial birth abortion.

And I just think that it is meant to distract from the realities which is this and it's really basic and fundamental. On one level, this is about taking freedoms away, the freedom to make decision about your own body. This is a question also of trust. I trust women. President Joe Biden trusts women to be able to know what is in their own best interest and then make good decisions. And by the way, and women trust us to know we're going to protect and fight for their freedoms. But fundamentally, that is the issue, and I think there are many people who want to do distract from that fundamental foundational issue, and I take it to a foundational issue in terms of this is one of the main principles upon which our country was founded.

And I just think that it is meant to distract from the realities which is this and it's really basic and fundamental. On one level, this is about taking freedoms away, the freedom to make decision about your own body. This is a question also of trust. I trust women. President Joe Biden trusts women to be able to know what is in their own best interest and then make good decisions. And by the way, and women trust us to know we're going to protect and fight for their freedoms. But fundamentally, that is the issue, and I think there are many people who want to do distract from that fundamental foundational issue, and I take it to a foundational issue in terms of this is one of the main principles upon which our country was founded.

Do you think that this will motivate voters in November, because I know it's shown that primarily referendum are referendu that's a plural of referendum, right is what are what motivate people to go and vote? And so how can you I mean, I'm assuming that you're trying to encourage people who feel strongly about this issue to go to the polls come November.

Do you think that this will motivate voters in November, because I know it's shown that primarily referendum are referendu that's a plural of referendum, right is what are what motivate people to go and vote? And so how can you I mean, I'm assuming that you're trying to encourage people who feel strongly about this issue to go to the polls come November.

Because they can make a difference. Literally, this issue will be ultimately determined about whether women have this freedom or not because of elections, because of what will result from elections, which is elected leaders passing a lit to reinstate the protections of freedom at the state level. Well, but ultimately it's going to take the federal level because what we see is state by state, you see different laws that have been unleashed after the Dobbs decision. So we want to go back to the law of the land being a row. And I think that elections matter, Katie on this issue in particular elections, they.

Because they can make a difference. Literally, this issue will be ultimately determined about whether women have this freedom or not because of elections, because of what will result from elections, which is elected leaders passing a lit to reinstate the protections of freedom at the state level. Well, but ultimately it's going to take the federal level because what we see is state by state, you see different laws that have been unleashed after the Dobbs decision. So we want to go back to the law of the land being a row. And I think that elections matter, Katie on this issue in particular elections, they.

Matter after the break Immigration the second most important topic for voters after the economy. If you want to get smarter every morning with a breakdown of the news and fascinating takes on health and wellness and pop culture, sign up for our daily newsletter, Wake Upcall by going to Katiecuric dot com. I want to talk to you a little bit about immigration because I think just about everyone and you have said as well, agrees that the immigration system is broken and we need comprehensive immigration reform. Early on, I know you were tasked with understanding the root causes of the immigration crisis, but you are not in charge of the border, which I think is important to point out. Having said that, fourteen House Democrats joined Republicans in denouncing the Biden administrations so called open border policies, calling it quote a national security and public safety crisis. And as you know, I'm sure you've talked to them. So many big city mayors Democrats are saying this is an untenable situation in cities across the country. Sixty eight percent of Americans disapprove the way the Biden administration has handled the border. So how do you address that have you done enough.

Matter after the break Immigration the second most important topic for voters after the economy. If you want to get smarter every morning with a breakdown of the news and fascinating takes on health and wellness and pop culture, sign up for our daily newsletter, Wake Upcall by going to Katiecuric dot com. I want to talk to you a little bit about immigration because I think just about everyone and you have said as well, agrees that the immigration system is broken and we need comprehensive immigration reform. Early on, I know you were tasked with understanding the root causes of the immigration crisis, but you are not in charge of the border, which I think is important to point out. Having said that, fourteen House Democrats joined Republicans in denouncing the Biden administrations so called open border policies, calling it quote a national security and public safety crisis. And as you know, I'm sure you've talked to them. So many big city mayors Democrats are saying this is an untenable situation in cities across the country. Sixty eight percent of Americans disapprove the way the Biden administration has handled the border. So how do you address that have you done enough.

There's no question our immigration system is broken and it needs to be fixed. And as with any problem, then leaders will participate, true leaders in the solution. So I'm going to take you back to about three years ago, and it was I think the day after our inauguration when we came in, Joe Biden as president, me as vice president. The first bill that we offered was a bill to fix the immigration system.

There's no question our immigration system is broken and it needs to be fixed. And as with any problem, then leaders will participate, true leaders in the solution. So I'm going to take you back to about three years ago, and it was I think the day after our inauguration when we came in, Joe Biden as president, me as vice president. The first bill that we offered was a bill to fix the immigration system.

And that's when you controlled both houses.

And that's when you controlled both houses.

And Congress did not take it up. And I will tell you that this is, first of all, not a new issue, but sadly it has become so deeply partisan and the subject of then political gamesmanship, when in fact the solution are at hand, and we offered a solution early on and invited bipartisan work. Let's work on it to fix this. And in fact, we have right now a proposal for fourteen billion dollars so that we can put more resources to address this very situation. And we hope and and and are really trying to compel in particular some of the Republicans in Congress to participate in the solution. But sadly, you know, we want to fix it, they want to run on it they want a political issue to run on in November.

And Congress did not take it up. And I will tell you that this is, first of all, not a new issue, but sadly it has become so deeply partisan and the subject of then political gamesmanship, when in fact the solution are at hand, and we offered a solution early on and invited bipartisan work. Let's work on it to fix this. And in fact, we have right now a proposal for fourteen billion dollars so that we can put more resources to address this very situation. And we hope and and and are really trying to compel in particular some of the Republicans in Congress to participate in the solution. But sadly, you know, we want to fix it, they want to run on it they want a political issue to run on in November.

Well it's working, honestly, Well.

Well it's working, honestly, Well.

I don't I think that. Listen again, I start, I go back to where I started. The situation is such that the system has broken and it needs to be fixed, and we have offered a solution, and real leaders ought to lead on this, meaning not play politics with it, but work with us.

I don't I think that. Listen again, I start, I go back to where I started. The situation is such that the system has broken and it needs to be fixed, and we have offered a solution, and real leaders ought to lead on this, meaning not play politics with it, but work with us.

I think Senates the problem. Republicans I know are trying to do that right.

I think Senates the problem. Republicans I know are trying to do that right.

The challenge is going to be on the House side.

The challenge is going to be on the House side.

Exactly, and they have linked legislation fixing the immigration crisis to military aid to Ukraine and Israel, and military aid those two allies desperately need. Is this immigration bill as it currently stands, something that you all can support in order to release that aid money.

Exactly, and they have linked legislation fixing the immigration crisis to military aid to Ukraine and Israel, and military aid those two allies desperately need. Is this immigration bill as it currently stands, something that you all can support in order to release that aid money.

So it's a work in progress. So by the time your listeners listen to this conversation, I don't know what situation or status it will be in. But let me just say this. We ought to be able to do everything we are the United States, and that means fixed problems such as what we need to do to address the immigration system, and we must stand by our allies, and that includes giving aid to Ukraine which has been the subject of a violation of one of the oldest and most important rules and norms, which is the importance of protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression and attempt to use forced to change borders the first war in seventy years in Europe, and the United States must stand by our ally Ukraine on principle, much less to stand strong about what is American leadership to uphold international rules and norms. And by the way, I've now met with over one hundred and fifty world leaders katie presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings, many of them now multiple times they look to us to be a leader on so many of these issues. I've been in the Oval Office with the President, with President Biden when he will get calls from world leaders asking for perspective and advice or support. So when we talk about the United States Congress on an issue like Ukraine or Israel, we should be able to do all of these things and not put conditions on one in exchange for the other.

So it's a work in progress. So by the time your listeners listen to this conversation, I don't know what situation or status it will be in. But let me just say this. We ought to be able to do everything we are the United States, and that means fixed problems such as what we need to do to address the immigration system, and we must stand by our allies, and that includes giving aid to Ukraine which has been the subject of a violation of one of the oldest and most important rules and norms, which is the importance of protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression and attempt to use forced to change borders the first war in seventy years in Europe, and the United States must stand by our ally Ukraine on principle, much less to stand strong about what is American leadership to uphold international rules and norms. And by the way, I've now met with over one hundred and fifty world leaders katie presidents, prime ministers, chancellors, and kings, many of them now multiple times they look to us to be a leader on so many of these issues. I've been in the Oval Office with the President, with President Biden when he will get calls from world leaders asking for perspective and advice or support. So when we talk about the United States Congress on an issue like Ukraine or Israel, we should be able to do all of these things and not put conditions on one in exchange for the other.

Let's turn to Israel, because it's been more than three months after the horrific attacks of October seventh. People are seeing graphic images of devastation and thousands of civilian casualties in Goss. I'm sure you're seeing them too, Yes, i am. Many people in your party, especially young people, have called for a cease fire for months now, and I'm wondering if you could articulate for us why you believe that is not a good idea if you do believe.

Let's turn to Israel, because it's been more than three months after the horrific attacks of October seventh. People are seeing graphic images of devastation and thousands of civilian casualties in Goss. I'm sure you're seeing them too, Yes, i am. Many people in your party, especially young people, have called for a cease fire for months now, and I'm wondering if you could articulate for us why you believe that is not a good idea if you do believe.

That, So let's start with October seventh. On October seventh, we saw a terrorist organization Hamas commit an act of sheer brutality and terrorism when they attacked and slaughtered over twelve hundred people, innocent people, many of them young people attending a concert. Women were raped horrendously. So not at all, it is all rape is always horrendous, obviously, but.

That, So let's start with October seventh. On October seventh, we saw a terrorist organization Hamas commit an act of sheer brutality and terrorism when they attacked and slaughtered over twelve hundred people, innocent people, many of them young people attending a concert. Women were raped horrendously. So not at all, it is all rape is always horrendous, obviously, but.

The barbarism of the crimes.

The barbarism of the crimes.

And rape as a tool of war, all right. And so I will start this conversation by saying, and Israel has a right to defend itself, we would, and how it does so matters. We've been very clear that far too many Palestinians, innocent Palestinian civilians, have been killed, and that Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians. We've been very clear humanitarian aid must flow from day one. I will tell you one of my areas of priority included let's think about the day after, because we must stay focused on an eventual to a state solution.

And rape as a tool of war, all right. And so I will start this conversation by saying, and Israel has a right to defend itself, we would, and how it does so matters. We've been very clear that far too many Palestinians, innocent Palestinian civilians, have been killed, and that Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians. We've been very clear humanitarian aid must flow from day one. I will tell you one of my areas of priority included let's think about the day after, because we must stay focused on an eventual to a state solution.

Well, having said that, I want to tell you something which I'm sure you're well aware of. That BV Net and Yahoo Prime Minister Net who recently said he rejected US calls to scale back Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip or to support a Palestinian state after the war. He even said that Israel quote must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River, which includes Gaza. So given those positions, how can you possibly come together? How can the US and Israel come together to solve this? And should aid to Israel be conditional?

Well, having said that, I want to tell you something which I'm sure you're well aware of. That BV Net and Yahoo Prime Minister Net who recently said he rejected US calls to scale back Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip or to support a Palestinian state after the war. He even said that Israel quote must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River, which includes Gaza. So given those positions, how can you possibly come together? How can the US and Israel come together to solve this? And should aid to Israel be conditional?

So I'll start with the principles that we are applying to this discussion, which we have been very clear with the Israeli government about one as it relates to the day after. There should be no reoccupation of Gaza. There should be no changing of the territorial boundaries of Gasa that the Palestinians are entitled to in equal measure with Israelis security and prosperity.

So I'll start with the principles that we are applying to this discussion, which we have been very clear with the Israeli government about one as it relates to the day after. There should be no reoccupation of Gaza. There should be no changing of the territorial boundaries of Gasa that the Palestinians are entitled to in equal measure with Israelis security and prosperity.

Doesn't sound like the Lynette now who agrees with that.

Doesn't sound like the Lynette now who agrees with that.

We're the United States of America. I'm telling you our position, and we take our role in this discussion very seriously. There may be disagreements. That doesn't mean we're going to change our mind about the principles that are important to be applied to this process in terms of what a day after should look like, and those principles remain consistent. We believe very strongly. I believe very strongly Palestinians are entitled to dignity and self determination. We believe there must be a two state solution for the sake of the stability in the region. We believe very strongly, as a first principle, Israel must be secure that Hamas and it must not be in a position to commit terrorist acts against innocent people or the people of Israel in particular.

We're the United States of America. I'm telling you our position, and we take our role in this discussion very seriously. There may be disagreements. That doesn't mean we're going to change our mind about the principles that are important to be applied to this process in terms of what a day after should look like, and those principles remain consistent. We believe very strongly. I believe very strongly Palestinians are entitled to dignity and self determination. We believe there must be a two state solution for the sake of the stability in the region. We believe very strongly, as a first principle, Israel must be secure that Hamas and it must not be in a position to commit terrorist acts against innocent people or the people of Israel in particular.

So should AID that and Vice President be conditional. If the Prime Minister of Israel is stating this, should that AID not come if there's not that kind of flexibility that you're seeking.

So should AID that and Vice President be conditional. If the Prime Minister of Israel is stating this, should that AID not come if there's not that kind of flexibility that you're seeking.

We are right now in a position of negotiating with Congress to follow through on a commitment we made for AID, and we are taking it one day at a time in terms of what is happening in the region and how we are addressing the issue. But that's where we are right now.

We are right now in a position of negotiating with Congress to follow through on a commitment we made for AID, and we are taking it one day at a time in terms of what is happening in the region and how we are addressing the issue. But that's where we are right now.

So I don't feel like you really answered my question. Well, but do you think it should be conditional? I know you're carrying.

So I don't feel like you really answered my question. Well, but do you think it should be conditional? I know you're carrying.

Out that's about our position right now.

Out that's about our position right now.

Not right now? Yeah, okay, I want to turn to the accomplishments of the Biden administration. Good an infrastructure Bill, finally the Chips Act, the Safer Communities Act addressing gun violence, to name three legislative accomplishments. Low unemployment, millions of jobs created, inflation down, the stock market up. You don't hear that much from reporters, do you, in a form of a question? And yet and yet you and President's Biden's approval ratings are at historic lows. The President at thirty eight, you at thirty seven. Why do you think that is given what I just outlined.

Not right now? Yeah, okay, I want to turn to the accomplishments of the Biden administration. Good an infrastructure Bill, finally the Chips Act, the Safer Communities Act addressing gun violence, to name three legislative accomplishments. Low unemployment, millions of jobs created, inflation down, the stock market up. You don't hear that much from reporters, do you, in a form of a question? And yet and yet you and President's Biden's approval ratings are at historic lows. The President at thirty eight, you at thirty seven. Why do you think that is given what I just outlined.

Well, first of all, if I listened to polls, I would have never run for my first office, or probably my second or third for that matter. So I only put so much stock in polls.

Well, first of all, if I listened to polls, I would have never run for my first office, or probably my second or third for that matter. So I only put so much stock in polls.

But it must be discouraging.

But it must be discouraging.

Well, no, here's the thing we have to we have to earn the re elect. That is, without any question, the right to be in a democracy. You got to earn the reelect and so our job. You are correct, a. We have historic accomplishments in terms of the economy, but we've done to move forward. It's science, technology and investment in the American workforce, growing the American workforce, rising wages, bringing down prices. Historic work has happened, no question. It is incumbent on us to let people know who brung it to them. Frankly, because here's the thing, Katie, when if you do want to look at polling, let's also look at the fact that it tells us that if you ask people how they feel about the fact that we finally kept the cost of insulin for seniors at thirty five dollars a month, hugely popular. If you ask people, how do you feel about the fact that seniors too long, too many had to determine whether they could fill their prescriptions or fill the refrigerator. And now we have allowed Meta Care to negotiate drug prices finally, which means we're capping the annual cost of prescriptions for seniors at two thousand dollars. They're not going to pay more than two thousand dollars a year for their prescription drugs. Very very popular if you ask students with debt, with students people have graduated with debt or even haven't graduated, who have caught debt from college or secondary school.

Well, no, here's the thing we have to we have to earn the re elect. That is, without any question, the right to be in a democracy. You got to earn the reelect and so our job. You are correct, a. We have historic accomplishments in terms of the economy, but we've done to move forward. It's science, technology and investment in the American workforce, growing the American workforce, rising wages, bringing down prices. Historic work has happened, no question. It is incumbent on us to let people know who brung it to them. Frankly, because here's the thing, Katie, when if you do want to look at polling, let's also look at the fact that it tells us that if you ask people how they feel about the fact that we finally kept the cost of insulin for seniors at thirty five dollars a month, hugely popular. If you ask people, how do you feel about the fact that seniors too long, too many had to determine whether they could fill their prescriptions or fill the refrigerator. And now we have allowed Meta Care to negotiate drug prices finally, which means we're capping the annual cost of prescriptions for seniors at two thousand dollars. They're not going to pay more than two thousand dollars a year for their prescription drugs. Very very popular if you ask students with debt, with students people have graduated with debt or even haven't graduated, who have caught debt from college or secondary school.

And he just announced today additional debt relief for.

And he just announced today additional debt relief for.

We have now erased the debt of over three and a half million people. Very popular if you look at what we are doing that is right now active projects in all fifty states. They are about upgrading roads and bridges, repairing streets, and airports. Usually popular. And I you know, if you drive down most streets in America, you'll somewhere or another see some construction site or a crane up that you can probably point to the Biden Harris administration to know that that work is starting to happen because we finally got the infrastructure work done. Previous administration kept talking about infrastructure. We actually made it happen. So you're right, we have a lot of accomplishments, and I think what the American people want most in their leaders is that we actually get things done. And we have done it, we haven't taken adequate credit for it. Frankly, and we got to do a better job of getting the word out about what we have accomplished and who did it.

We have now erased the debt of over three and a half million people. Very popular if you look at what we are doing that is right now active projects in all fifty states. They are about upgrading roads and bridges, repairing streets, and airports. Usually popular. And I you know, if you drive down most streets in America, you'll somewhere or another see some construction site or a crane up that you can probably point to the Biden Harris administration to know that that work is starting to happen because we finally got the infrastructure work done. Previous administration kept talking about infrastructure. We actually made it happen. So you're right, we have a lot of accomplishments, and I think what the American people want most in their leaders is that we actually get things done. And we have done it, we haven't taken adequate credit for it. Frankly, and we got to do a better job of getting the word out about what we have accomplished and who did it.

When we come back, Kamala Harris has a tall order making sure Latino, Black, and young voters stay in the fold.

When we come back, Kamala Harris has a tall order making sure Latino, Black, and young voters stay in the fold.

They have now met with over fifteen thousand students gen Z, who, by the way, I think is a terrific generation.

They have now met with over fifteen thousand students gen Z, who, by the way, I think is a terrific generation.

I know you love gen Z. You said it on the view Do you love gen Z?

I know you love gen Z. You said it on the view Do you love gen Z?

I really do?

I really do?

You do very well among young voters, among people of color, both black voters and Latino voters. President Biden isn't doing as well. In twenty twenty, he won young people by more than twenty points, but now he's tied with Donald Trump. And I'm curious you've been I think I think people believe you're a good messenger to bring some of those voters back into the fold to support Joe Biden and not just Kamala Harris. How are you going to do that?

You do very well among young voters, among people of color, both black voters and Latino voters. President Biden isn't doing as well. In twenty twenty, he won young people by more than twenty points, but now he's tied with Donald Trump. And I'm curious you've been I think I think people believe you're a good messenger to bring some of those voters back into the fold to support Joe Biden and not just Kamala Harris. How are you going to do that?

Well? Part of it is getting the heck out of DC, which I've been doing. Fact, after the DOTS decision came down, I decided to get on the road ahead of the midterms and going to purple, red and blue states in almost equal measure, talking with folks and listening to folks. And I started then last fall college tour, where I have now met with over fifteen thousand students gen Z, who, by the way, I think is a terrific generation.

Well? Part of it is getting the heck out of DC, which I've been doing. Fact, after the DOTS decision came down, I decided to get on the road ahead of the midterms and going to purple, red and blue states in almost equal measure, talking with folks and listening to folks. And I started then last fall college tour, where I have now met with over fifteen thousand students gen Z, who, by the way, I think is a terrific generation.

I know you love gen Z.

I know you love gen Z.

You said it on the view. Do you love gen Z? I really do, because they it's a lived experience for them. They've only known the climate crisis. Most of them have endured active shooter drills between kindergarten and twelfth grade. They during the height of their reproductive years, saw the court take away an essential right for them. And so traveling the country makes a difference to one listen, but to remind people that they are being seen and that what they do matters, including that they vote. And so I'm going to keep doing that.

You said it on the view. Do you love gen Z? I really do, because they it's a lived experience for them. They've only known the climate crisis. Most of them have endured active shooter drills between kindergarten and twelfth grade. They during the height of their reproductive years, saw the court take away an essential right for them. And so traveling the country makes a difference to one listen, but to remind people that they are being seen and that what they do matters, including that they vote. And so I'm going to keep doing that.

Are you worried that they're not going to turn out? I mean, that is so key to your reelection.

Are you worried that they're not going to turn out? I mean, that is so key to your reelection.

Well, like I've said many times, because it is a mantra for me during election time, they're two ways to run, either without an opponent or scared. You got to earn it and you got to get out there and you got to do the work. And I'm prepared to do it.

Well, like I've said many times, because it is a mantra for me during election time, they're two ways to run, either without an opponent or scared. You got to earn it and you got to get out there and you got to do the work. And I'm prepared to do it.

You know, I wasn't going to ask you a question about Joe Biden's age, because, after all, Donald Trump is just three years younger, and some people seem fixated on Joe Biden's age. But I wanted to ask you it's.

You know, I wasn't going to ask you a question about Joe Biden's age, because, after all, Donald Trump is just three years younger, and some people seem fixated on Joe Biden's age. But I wanted to ask you it's.

Because they have nothing to run on, Katie.

Because they have nothing to run on, Katie.

Well, immigration now they're running on.

Well, immigration now they're running on.

Too, which they could actually participate in fixing, right, and so no, but really yeah, you know, so yeah, you're right. They're running on immigration because they like having the problem, so they can they can have an issue. But how in fact we have offered them the ability to solve it and they don't want to participate in that, right in the solution.

Too, which they could actually participate in fixing, right, and so no, but really yeah, you know, so yeah, you're right. They're running on immigration because they like having the problem, so they can they can have an issue. But how in fact we have offered them the ability to solve it and they don't want to participate in that, right in the solution.

Right about immigration, but having you know, the age thing. Voters are concerned. I mean, according to almost every poll, that is an issue. And I was curious to get your take on this. Four years ago, I think it was a rally in Detroit, then Canada. Biden was at a rally with you, Corey Booker and Gretchen Widmer, and I looked up what he said. He said, Look, Joe Biden says, look a lot, doesn't he He says, Look, I view myself as a bridge, not as anything else. There's an entire generation of leaders you saw stand behind me. They are the future of the country. And I wondered when you heard that if you thought that was a four year bridge or an eight year bridge.

Right about immigration, but having you know, the age thing. Voters are concerned. I mean, according to almost every poll, that is an issue. And I was curious to get your take on this. Four years ago, I think it was a rally in Detroit, then Canada. Biden was at a rally with you, Corey Booker and Gretchen Widmer, and I looked up what he said. He said, Look, Joe Biden says, look a lot, doesn't he He says, Look, I view myself as a bridge, not as anything else. There's an entire generation of leaders you saw stand behind me. They are the future of the country. And I wondered when you heard that if you thought that was a four year bridge or an eight year bridge.

I want to get to the heart of what I think you're raising, which you've said is his age. So let's talk about that. I spend a lot of time with Joe Biden, be it in the Oval office or the situation room, and I can tell you this is someone who is tireless in terms of working on behalf of the American people. To your point of knowing Joe Biden, he comes from a background and a place in his heart and soul where he cares so deeply about working people, about families. We talk about his empathy because he actually is concerned about the suffering of other people and works to alleviate that suffering. He is bold, and it is because of all of that that we have been able to pass transformational work, bipartisan work. When we've been able to do it, a large part of it is because Joe Biden, and I've watched him, sits in that Oval office with the leaders on the two sides and helps people figure out that compromise is actually a good thing. Solutions are a good thing. I have been in the Oval Office when heads of state from around the world, in particular, our allies call up Joe Biden and ask for his advice and he gives it. It is Joe Biden who is, without any question, and leaders around the world would admit it, the one who was able to bring together NATO to support Ukraine. So this whole issue that they are raising about his age is again because they've got nothing to run on. And I just think that we've got to get beyond this because I think ultimately what the American people deserve is that their leaders perform by way of solutions and uplifting the condition of their lives.

I want to get to the heart of what I think you're raising, which you've said is his age. So let's talk about that. I spend a lot of time with Joe Biden, be it in the Oval office or the situation room, and I can tell you this is someone who is tireless in terms of working on behalf of the American people. To your point of knowing Joe Biden, he comes from a background and a place in his heart and soul where he cares so deeply about working people, about families. We talk about his empathy because he actually is concerned about the suffering of other people and works to alleviate that suffering. He is bold, and it is because of all of that that we have been able to pass transformational work, bipartisan work. When we've been able to do it, a large part of it is because Joe Biden, and I've watched him, sits in that Oval office with the leaders on the two sides and helps people figure out that compromise is actually a good thing. Solutions are a good thing. I have been in the Oval Office when heads of state from around the world, in particular, our allies call up Joe Biden and ask for his advice and he gives it. It is Joe Biden who is, without any question, and leaders around the world would admit it, the one who was able to bring together NATO to support Ukraine. So this whole issue that they are raising about his age is again because they've got nothing to run on. And I just think that we've got to get beyond this because I think ultimately what the American people deserve is that their leaders perform by way of solutions and uplifting the condition of their lives.

I'm glad you used that word perform, because I was listening to something Hillary Clinton said recently about performative politics.

I'm glad you used that word perform, because I was listening to something Hillary Clinton said recently about performative politics.

Yeah, it's a double right, and.

Yeah, it's a double right, and.

That people who are doing the hard work of the nation's business are not performing. And I thought that was such an interesting things with performing right, right right, perform Yeah, are not performative exactly, And I thought that was such an insightful observation because people doing the work, let's face it, are not that entertaining.

That people who are doing the hard work of the nation's business are not performing. And I thought that was such an interesting things with performing right, right right, perform Yeah, are not performative exactly, And I thought that was such an insightful observation because people doing the work, let's face it, are not that entertaining.

But in the true sense of the word perform in terms of are you actually doing anything. Joe Biden's getting a whole lot of stuff done. First Chips and Science Act. We're going to be investing in the future of technology, competing on a global level. We have created over eight hundred and fifty new manufacturing jobs. We're bringing manufacturing back to America. What we have done in terms of fighting for things, well, you know, this is again where it'd be nice to have a little bit more bipartisan support to extend the child tax credit. In our first year, by pushing it through, we reduced tow poverty by over fifty percent. That's the kind of performing I think people want.

But in the true sense of the word perform in terms of are you actually doing anything. Joe Biden's getting a whole lot of stuff done. First Chips and Science Act. We're going to be investing in the future of technology, competing on a global level. We have created over eight hundred and fifty new manufacturing jobs. We're bringing manufacturing back to America. What we have done in terms of fighting for things, well, you know, this is again where it'd be nice to have a little bit more bipartisan support to extend the child tax credit. In our first year, by pushing it through, we reduced tow poverty by over fifty percent. That's the kind of performing I think people want.

But how are you going to get that messaging out?

But how are you going to get that messaging out?

You know? The SEMs?

You know? The SEMs?

Yeah, I know, but this alone, as much as I would like to say the entire country listens to this or watches this, it feels like that somehow that is not getting through. That's what a lot of people for I know you, and I know people like David Axelrodter like, let's get going people.

Yeah, I know, but this alone, as much as I would like to say the entire country listens to this or watches this, it feels like that somehow that is not getting through. That's what a lot of people for I know you, and I know people like David Axelrodter like, let's get going people.

Yeah, I appreciate that. I appreciate where he's coming from. In terms of we all know what's at stake, right, we all know what's at stake on the other side of this split screen, because let's be clear about it. We talked about a lot of issues today, you and I, most of which are not binary, like it's not one thing or the other. These are complex issues November of twenty twenty four binary. And on the other side, you've got someone who has said that if he were back in office, he would weaponize the Department of Justice, someone who has openly applauded insurrectionists as patriots, someone who has said that they will go after their political enemies and applauds dictators, indicating that he would be one. So let's be really clear about what's at stake. And then, yes, of course, there is then a desire that let's get out there because we can't lose this democracy. We can't. And I agree with that passion. I am motivated by the same passion.

Yeah, I appreciate that. I appreciate where he's coming from. In terms of we all know what's at stake, right, we all know what's at stake on the other side of this split screen, because let's be clear about it. We talked about a lot of issues today, you and I, most of which are not binary, like it's not one thing or the other. These are complex issues November of twenty twenty four binary. And on the other side, you've got someone who has said that if he were back in office, he would weaponize the Department of Justice, someone who has openly applauded insurrectionists as patriots, someone who has said that they will go after their political enemies and applauds dictators, indicating that he would be one. So let's be really clear about what's at stake. And then, yes, of course, there is then a desire that let's get out there because we can't lose this democracy. We can't. And I agree with that passion. I am motivated by the same passion.

I don't want your staff to kill me. I asked one more question. A lot of witnesses, if they do they ask one more question, Steane, Okay, all rights. As a prosecutor, I said, they're witnesses. As a former prosecutor and a general, I'm sure you're familiar with these ninety one criminal indictments Donald Trump is currently facing or somewhat familiar, And I'm curious, why do you think so many of his supporters are willing to turn a blind eye to those indictments and support him regardless.

I don't want your staff to kill me. I asked one more question. A lot of witnesses, if they do they ask one more question, Steane, Okay, all rights. As a prosecutor, I said, they're witnesses. As a former prosecutor and a general, I'm sure you're familiar with these ninety one criminal indictments Donald Trump is currently facing or somewhat familiar, And I'm curious, why do you think so many of his supporters are willing to turn a blind eye to those indictments and support him regardless.

Well, let's see if they do in November.

Well, let's see if they do in November.

Do you think minds will be changed as these court cases proceed.

Do you think minds will be changed as these court cases proceed.

I think that the majority of Americans who are going to make the decision about the outcome of the election want a leader who is competent and not someone who invites and creates chaos. I think they are going to vote for a leader who respects and protects the rule of law, not someone who breaks it. I think they want someone who actually understands that the real strength of a leader is noted on who you beat down, but based on who you lift up.

I think that the majority of Americans who are going to make the decision about the outcome of the election want a leader who is competent and not someone who invites and creates chaos. I think they are going to vote for a leader who respects and protects the rule of law, not someone who breaks it. I think they want someone who actually understands that the real strength of a leader is noted on who you beat down, but based on who you lift up.

Does it blow your mind that people don't Some people don't agree with that though, that They're like, we love this guy, it doesn't matter.

Does it blow your mind that people don't Some people don't agree with that though, that They're like, we love this guy, it doesn't matter.

I don't judge that. I don't judge that. I am just telling you I know what is at stake, and we are going to spend every day reminding the American people of what we have accomplished and what will be the impact of the selection, And it will be profound, and it will be in many ways existential.

I don't judge that. I don't judge that. I am just telling you I know what is at stake, and we are going to spend every day reminding the American people of what we have accomplished and what will be the impact of the selection, And it will be profound, and it will be in many ways existential.

I believe, Madam Vice President, Thank you so so much.

I believe, Madam Vice President, Thank you so so much.

Good to be with you.

Good to be with you.

Thanks for listening everyone. If you have a question for me, a subject you want us to cover, or you want to share your thoughts about how you navigate this crazy world reach out. You can leave a short message at six h nine five P one two five five five, or you can send me a DM on Instagram. I would love to hear from you. Next Question is a production of iHeartMedia and Katie Kuric Media. The executive producers are Me, Katie Kuric, and Courtney Ltz. Our supervising producer is Ryan Martz, and our producers are Adriana Fazzio and Meredith Barnes. Julian Weller composed our theme music. For more information about today's episode, or to sign up for my newsletter wake Up Call, go to the description in the podcast app, or visit us at Katiecuric dot com. You can also find me on Instagram and all my social media channels. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app Apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

Thanks for listening everyone. If you have a question for me, a subject you want us to cover, or you want to share your thoughts about how you navigate this crazy world reach out. You can leave a short message at six h nine five P one two five five five, or you can send me a DM on Instagram. I would love to hear from you. Next Question is a production of iHeartMedia and Katie Kuric Media. The executive producers are Me, Katie Kuric, and Courtney Ltz. Our supervising producer is Ryan Martz, and our producers are Adriana Fazzio and Meredith Barnes. Julian Weller composed our theme music. For more information about today's episode, or to sign up for my newsletter wake Up Call, go to the description in the podcast app, or visit us at Katiecuric dot com. You can also find me on Instagram and all my social media channels. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app Apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.