As the presidential election draws near, '60 Minutes' is gearing up for its quadrennial interview special with the candidates. The show, known for its in-depth interviews, hopes to provide viewers with a valuable opportunity to evaluate the contenders side by side.
The special is tentatively scheduled to air on Monday, Oct. 7, following CBS's broadcast of the American Music Awards the night before. While both presidential candidates have yet to confirm their participation, discussions are underway between their campaigns and CBS.
Notably, the 2020 interview with former President Donald Trump ended abruptly, with Trump walking out early following a contentious exchange with the show's host. This year, correspondent Scott Pelley has been assigned to interview Trump, while Bill Whitaker will interview Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the previous interview, tensions rose as Trump made bold claims about his presidency, leading to interruptions and a premature end to the session. '60 Minutes' hopes for a more substantive conversation this time around, emphasizing the importance of a serious dialogue.
In addition to the presidential candidates, the vice presidential contenders, Tim Walz and JD Vance, have also been invited to participate in the special. The show's executive producer expressed confidence in the event's success, noting that declining the opportunity to appear on '60 Minutes' could reflect poorly on either campaign.
While the traditional taped interview format of '60 Minutes' stands out in today's media landscape, the show continues to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on critical issues. As the new season kicks off, '60 Minutes' remains committed to delivering insightful journalism and engaging storytelling to its audience.
