Vice President Kamala Harris' recent appearance at CNN's town hall with Pennsylvania swing voters did not meet the expectations of the network's journalists and analysts. Throughout the lengthy forum, her responses were characterized as lengthy and evasive, leaving many undecided voters without clear answers to their concerns.

CNN anchor Dana Bash remarked on the event, noting that while Harris had the opportunity to connect with the audience, it was unclear if she effectively persuaded them. She emphasized that the feedback from attendees suggested that Harris may not have achieved her objective of solidifying support among the voters present.

David Axelrod, a seasoned Democratic strategist, expressed his concerns regarding Harris' tendency to avoid direct answers, describing it as a shift towards "Word Salad City." He highlighted that this pattern was evident in some of her responses during the town hall, which could potentially hinder her campaign's effectiveness in engaging with voters.

   During a recent interview, Anderson Cooper posed a straightforward question regarding Israel, asking whether the respondent would adopt a stronger stance than former President Trump. The answer, which extended for seven minutes, failed to address the inquiry directly, leading to criticism of the response's relevance.

David Axelrod commented that Vice President Harris, 60, overlooked a significant opportunity when discussing immigration issues. He noted her reluctance to acknowledge any shortcomings in the administration's policies, suggesting that such an approach could be detrimental. Axelrod emphasized the importance of conceding certain points in political discourse, which he felt Harris did not adequately do.

CNN host Abby Phillip remarked on the post-event panel that Harris's responses lacked substantive policy details. The critical feedback followed Cooper's persistent questioning during the town hall, where he sought clear answers on policy matters. Concerns among national Democrats have emerged regarding Harris's position as Election Day approaches, particularly as polling indicates that former President Trump is leading in key battleground states.

   The discussion commenced when a Republican student from Drexel University, who expressed a tendency to support Harris, inquired about the specific "benefits and subsidies" she would provide to new immigrants. Harris avoided directly addressing the question, instead reverting to her standard campaign rhetoric, while Cooper continued to pursue the topic.

Harris stated that the immigration system in the United States is fundamentally flawed and has been for an extended period. She attributed some of the issues to former President Trump, claiming he played a role in derailing a bipartisan bill earlier in the year, which conservatives argued did not sufficiently limit the release of illegal immigrants seeking asylum after entering the country.

Cooper interjected with a correction regarding the timeline, pointing out that the bill Trump opposed was from 2024, while record border crossings occurred in 2022 and 2023. He further highlighted that despite numerous executive actions taken by the administration, the influx of migrants continued to rise, questioning why significant measures were only implemented shortly before the presidential debate in June 2024.

   Initially, Harris responded by asserting that she and Biden were engaged in negotiations with Congress regarding an immigration reform bill proposed in January 2021. This bill, however, failed to gain traction and was largely viewed as a messaging effort, primarily because it included provisions for a pathway to citizenship for a significant number of undocumented immigrants residing in the United States.

Harris stated, "You’re exactly right, Anderson, and as of today, we have cut the flow of immigration by over half," referencing recent monthly statistics that indicate a substantial decrease in migrant apprehensions following a record high in encounters last December.

When pressed by Cooper on why executive action was not taken in 2022 or 2023, Harris explained that the administration was focused on collaborating with Congress to achieve a sustainable solution rather than a temporary fix. She emphasized that resolving the issue would ultimately require congressional action, as Congress holds the financial authority necessary to address the challenges at the border effectively.

   There is a pressing need for an increased number of judges to effectively manage asylum applications. Additionally, a greater workforce is required to enhance the processing capabilities in this area.

Cooper directly inquired whether Harris regretted not implementing certain executive orders in 2022 and 2023. In response, Harris maintained that the decisions made were appropriate and emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to address the enduring challenges in immigration policy.

Throughout the forum, immigration was a recurring topic, with Harris criticizing Trump's border wall initiative, questioning its effectiveness. While she noted that only a small percentage of the wall was completed, it is important to recognize that the Trump administration did construct new barriers along a significant portion of the southern border, primarily replacing existing structures. Harris also expressed her commitment to maintaining border security, countering any perceptions of her previous stance on decriminalizing illegal crossings.

  "Indeed, I do," Harris affirmed.

   The vice president emphasized the significance of the upcoming decision, stating, "In 13 days, you will determine who occupies the Oval Office on January 20." He warned of the potential consequences of a Trump presidency, suggesting that the former president could return to the White House with intentions of seeking revenge. Harris characterized Trump as "unstable" and "unhinged," suggesting he would be focused on retribution and compiling a list of adversaries.

   Throughout his campaign to regain power, Trump has expressed intentions of delivering "retribution." However, he has also indicated that his vision of revenge may simply manifest as a successful second term in office.

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