Vice President Kamala Harris encountered challenging questions about how she would fund her economic proposals during an MSNBC interview with Stephanie Ruhle.

As Harris laid out her economic vision, which includes tax reforms targeting corporations and the wealthy, her responses were blasted for lacking specificity on how they would be funded, as the Daily Mail reports.

During the interview, Harris emphasized the need to raise corporate taxes and ensure billionaires pay their fair share to support middle-class initiatives, but she faced criticism for not explaining how these plans would be feasible under potential Republican control of the Senate.

Harris's appearance on MSNBC marked her first network television interview since securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president. She discussed her economic policies, focusing on middle-class support, including a $6,000 tax credit for young couples and subsidies aimed at encouraging small business growth.

Raising Taxes on Corporations and the Wealthy

The vice president proposed significant tax increases as a primary funding method. Her detailed tax plan includes a 25% minimum tax on individuals worth more than $100 million and an increase in corporate tax rates to 28%. Harris also mentioned raising capital gains taxes.

Stephanie Ruhle pressed Harris on the feasibility of these proposals, particularly if Republicans were to gain control of the Senate. Ruhle questioned whether Harris had considered alternative funding methods if she could not pass corporate tax hikes.

"If you can't raise corporate taxes or if GOP takes control of the Senate, where do you get the money to do that?" Ruhle asked. Harris responded by doubling down on the need to raise corporate taxes, saying, "We’re going to have to make sure that the biggest corporations and billionaires pay their fair share."

Harris Struggles to Address Funding Concerns

Despite Harris’s insistence on raising taxes, Ruhle expressed frustration post-interview, noting that the vice president did not fully answer her questions about how to secure funding if her proposed tax hikes faced opposition. "She doesn't answer the question ... Where is she going to get the money from?" Ruhle commented.

Harris's response to the funding issue remained consistent: she argued that the wealthiest Americans must contribute more to the country. While she acknowledged the difficulty of passing such measures through a potentially Republican-led Senate, she did not offer alternative strategies.

Criticizing Trump's Economic Policies

During the interview, Harris also took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump’s tax policies, which she argued disproportionately benefited the wealthy. "The facts remain that Donald Trump has a history of taking care of very rich people, and I'm not mad at anybody for being rich, but they should pay their fair share," Harris remarked.

In contrast, she positioned her economic vision as one that would support the middle class, offering families benefits that could help them pursue traditional goals like homeownership and vacations. Harris also touted her experience working with business leaders, claiming that many CEOs agreed with her views on tax fairness.

"I work with a lot of CEOs I have spent a lot of time with CEOs, let me tell you that the business leaders that are actually part of the engine of America's economy agree that people should pay their fair share," Harris said.

Harris Offers Rebuttal to Personal Attacks

In addition to discussing economic policy, Harris addressed personal attacks that have been levied against her, including recent criticisms from Trump. Responding to claims about her past work experience, Harris lightheartedly recited a McDonald's jingle, using it as a way to deflect from Trump's criticisms.

The interview, which included both challenging and lighter questions, was seen as a largely successful performance for Harris, particularly in comparison to a previous CNN interview where she stumbled on key points. However, her inability to provide concrete details on funding left some analysts unconvinced.

Pennsylvania Becomes Key Campaign Battleground

Harris’s campaign schedule now turns to Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state in the 2024 election. With the state expected to be a significant determinant of the election's outcome, Harris’s economic proposals are likely to be a central topic as she continues to make her case to voters.

As Harris campaigns in Pennsylvania, her opponent, former President Donald Trump, has focused his efforts on North Carolina, another key state in the upcoming election. Both candidates are aiming to shore up support in states that could determine the presidency.

Harris Campaigns on Biden’s Economic Policies

In alignment with the Biden administration’s budget, Harris reiterated her commitment to policies she says would raise an estimated $5 trillion through tax increases on corporations and the wealthy. The administration's goal is to use these funds to support middle-class growth and other social programs.

While Harris's overall message resonated with supporters of higher taxes on the wealthy, questions remain about the feasibility of her plans in a potentially divided Congress. The lack of concrete answers during the MSNBC interview may fuel further scrutiny as the election progresses.