Trump skips 60 Minutes interview, breaking decades-long tradition

In early October 2024, former President Donald Trump canceled his appearance on CBS's '60 Minutes,' a program that has historically featured major presidential candidates in the lead-up to elections. The cancellation came after Trump's campaign had initially agreed to the interview, which was set to take place at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The decision to withdraw has been described as breaking a tradition that dates back over fifty years, with previous candidates like Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey participating in similar interviews. Scott Pelley, a CBS News anchor, detailed the shifting explanations provided by Trump's campaign for the cancellation. Initially, the campaign expressed concerns that the interview would be fact-checked, a standard practice for the program. Subsequently, Trump demanded an apology from CBS for perceived grievances stemming from a previous interview with correspondent Lesley Stahl in 2020, during which he had walked out. The implications of Trump's withdrawal from the interview are significant, as it raises questions about his engagement with voters and the media. Vice President Kamala Harris, his opponent, suggested that voters should instead watch Trump's rallies to understand his views, which she characterized as focused on personal grievances rather than substantive issues. Ultimately, the cancellation of the interview not only reflects Trump's contentious relationship with the media but also highlights the challenges he faces in connecting with voters as the election approaches.