Former President Donald Trump publicly offered advice to CNN’s Dana Bash ahead of her scheduled interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, urging her to conduct a rigorous and impactful conversation.

The interview, which aired Thursday at 9 p.m., was Harris' first major media appearance since President Joe Biden's decision to exit the presidential race last month, and Trump suggested that Bash had an opportunity to prove her chops as a legitimate journalist or reveal herself as a Democratic Party mouthpiece, as the Daily Wire reports.

Trump's Advice Ahead of Key Harris Interview

Trump took to Truth Social to share his thoughts on how Bash could make a significant mark during the high-profile interview.

He encouraged her to deliver a "fair but tough" interview that could potentially expose what he described as Harris' unsuitability for the presidency. Trump's comments have added another layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated interview, which featured Harris alongside her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The interview comes on the heels of Biden's departure from the race, which followed a poorly received debate performance in late June, moderated by Bash and fellow CNN journalist Jake Tapper. Biden's decision has reshuffled the Democratic ticket, placing Harris in the spotlight as she navigates her new role in the race alongside Walz.

Trump Criticizes Walz's Presence in the Interview

In addition to his critique of Harris, Trump also expressed concerns about Walz’s participation in the interview. He suggested that Bash should interview Harris without Walz, labeling the Minnesota governor with the derogatory nickname "Tampon Tim," a reference to a controversial 2023 law in Minnesota requiring free menstrual products in public school bathrooms.

Trump argued that Walz's presence could potentially cushion Harris during the interview, preventing Bash from fully holding her accountable.

This interview was seen as a critical moment for Harris, as it was her first significant opportunity to address voters directly since taking the lead on the Democratic ticket. The conversation was expected to cover a range of topics, and with Trump's advice lingering in the public discourse, there was close scrutiny on how Bash approached the discussion.

Upcoming Debates Add Pressure to Interview

The interview also set the stage for a series of upcoming debates that will further define the election landscape. Harris and Trump are scheduled to debate on Sept. 10, an event hosted by ABC News that promises to be a key moment in the race.

The debate will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two since Harris assumed her new role as the top Democratic contender.

Meanwhile, their respective running mates, Walz and Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), will have their own debate on October 1, hosted by CBS News. This debate will be another critical moment as the election draws nearer, offering both candidates a platform to solidify their positions and appeal to voters.

Trump Sees a Moment of Opportunity for Bash

Trump’s comments on Truth Social also highlight his perception of the CNN interview as a potential career-defining moment for Bash. He reflected on her role in moderating the CNN debate where Biden’s performance was widely criticized, suggesting that she now had a chance to achieve "greatness" by pressing Harris in a similar manner.

Trump emphasized that Bash’s conduct in the interview could not only elevate her standing as a journalist but also serve what he described as a "great service" to the country. He urged Bash to resist any attempts to alter the transcript of the interview, further emphasizing his desire for an unfiltered and unedited exchange.

Harris Faces High Stakes in Upcoming Interview

As the election looms just over two months away, Harris' performance in this interview may significant implications for her campaign.

This situation places Harris in a challenging position, as she was forced to balance the need to address tough questions with the responsibility of presenting a strong, presidential image.

The outcome of the interview could influence voters' perceptions as the race enters its final stretch.

Conclusion

In the lead-up to a crucial interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump offered pointed advice to CNN’s Dana Bash, urging her to conduct a rigorous and unyielding interview.

As Harris prepared to appear alongside her running mate, Tim Walz, the interview was poised to be a pivotal moment in her campaign.

With the election just over two months away, the stakes are high, and the impact of the  sit-down could resonate throughout the remainder of the race.