As Election Day nears, Vice President Kamala Harris has faced increased pressure over her economic “plan.” During a special election segment on “60 Minutes” set for release this weekend, host Bill Whitaker pressed Harris on the specifics of how she intends to finance her proposals and navigate a polarized Congress.

When asked directly about how she plans to fund her economic agenda, Harris began by alluding to the importance of investing in small businesses and the middle class, saying, “Small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy.” However, Whitaker interrupted, demanding specifics: “But pardon me, Madam Vice President, the question was, how are you going to pay for it?” he asked.

Harris shifted to a talking point, suggesting that the wealthiest Americans should pay their “fair share” in taxes. “It is not right that teachers and nurses and firefighters are paying a higher tax rate than billionaires and the biggest corporations,” Harris said. But when Whitaker pressed her further, pointing out the challenges of passing such measures through a divided Congress, Harris clearly stumbled. “We’re dealing with the real world here,” Whitaker remarked.

Harris attempted to pivot, repeating that members of Congress understand her message because their constituents do. However, her response lacked specifics, and Whitaker’s line of questioning left her visibly struggling to provide concrete answers.

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Critics online quickly reacted to the interview, with many pointing out the Vice President’s inability to provide clear details. One user commented, “She has no answer but a non-answer,” while another added, “She still can’t answer the same question that she’s been asked over and over.” With voters increasingly looking for decisive leadership, the Vice President’s vague responses could prove to be yet another stumble in her campaign efforts.

Harris’s economic plan represents an expansive government-led approach to tackling economic issues faced by middle-class Americans. While the plan aims to cut costs for families and boost economic opportunity, critics argue that it relies heavily on increased federal intervention and spending, which could have long-term consequences. The plan’s promises of tax cuts and down-payment assistance for homebuyers aim to alleviate financial burdens on middle-class families. However, some argue that such measures are temporary reliefs rather than long-term solutions, as they don’t address the structural issues that cause high costs—such as over-regulation and market inefficiencies. Rather than expanding federal programs, they might suggest reducing regulatory barriers to lower costs organically.

The focus on building an “opportunity economy” is also seen as ambitious but problematic by critics. The plan proposes investments in small businesses, innovation, and American manufacturing, all driven by government subsidies and incentives. While the plan proposes measures like price-gouging bans and expanding consumer protections, many worry that these interventions might lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced competition or higher prices due to increased compliance costs.

Since being nominated as the Democrat’s pick for president, Harris has participated in only two cable TV interviews, including one alongside her running mate, Tim Walz (D-MN). She is lined up for a media slate on Tuesday, featuring appearances on ABC’s “The View,” Howard Stern’s satellite radio show, and CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Tim Walz is scheduled for ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday evening.

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