Sunny Hostin Speaks Out About Viral Kamala Harris Moment

Sunny Hostin believes her question to Vice President Kamala Harris on The View became a pivotal moment in the election. During a discussion with Brian Teta, host of The View podcast, Hostin considered whether her question impacted the Democratic Party’s outcome.

When asked about distinguishing a potential Harris administration from the Biden administration, Harris responded with the now-notable line, “There is not a thing that comes to mind.”

Reflecting on the exchange, Hostin told Teta, “It wasn’t so much about the question itself but really more about the answer.”

Hostin elaborated, explaining why she pressed further. “I followed up with, ‘Is there anything you would do differently?’” she continued. “The question wasn’t a ‘gotcha’; it was more of a ‘layup,’ really, and one she might have anticipated.” Hostin added that she expected Harris might respond by listing “the wins” to build on, but was taken aback when Harris instead replied, “not a thing comes to mind.”

A transcript of their conversation captures the moment they discussed the viral exchange:

BRIAN TETA, HOST: Many are wondering if Sunny Hostin’s question personally cost Kamala Harris the election.

SUNNY HOSTIN: Wow—I wish I held that much sway. If so, I’d have turned things around in the opposite direction!

TETA: Right. Pundits like James Carville have been discussing it.

HOSTIN: This just underscores the influence of our show, nationally and globally.

TETA: Normally, if a politician does well, people assume we provided the questions in advance. But this exchange shows that isn’t the case.

HOSTIN: Exactly. I do think this is more about clickbait. Headlines mentioning The View or my name tend to go viral.

TETA: Let’s revisit the question you asked. It was about what Harris might have done differently.

HOSTIN: Yes, I wanted to hear what she would have done differently in a Biden-Harris administration versus a Biden administration alone.

TETA: And whether there’s anything she wishes had been done differently over the past four years.

HOSTIN: Something like that, yes. I followed up because her response caught me by surprise.

Hostin reiterated, “It wasn’t about the question; it was about the answer.”

TETA: “Not a thing comes to mind.”

HOSTIN: Exactly, and that’s why I asked again. I wanted to give her the chance to address it. It wasn’t meant as a trap. It was a chance for her to differentiate herself and highlight her unique perspective, especially for those looking for a ‘change agent.’ Harris could have explained how, with her background and experience, she brings something different to the table, even though their administration has had historic success.

TETA: That’s the challenging part.

HOSTIN: I had expected her to mention, “I’d build on our achievements.” I had a list of accomplishments in my mind. Instead, she simply replied, “not a thing comes to mind.” This shows her deep loyalty to President Biden, who not only selected her as his Vice President but also positioned her as his successor.

TETA: He essentially endorsed her as his political heir.

HOSTIN: Yes, it’s a testament to her character and values. I admire that loyalty, so I’m not going to judge whether it was the “right” or “wrong” response. I was just surprised, because it was a question that might have worked in her favor—a moment that could have been significant.

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