Harris Campaign Tells Muslim Interviewer He Can’t Ask About Gaza, She Talks Up Bacon Instead: ‘Taken Aback’

Kamala Harris’ interview with a Muslim social media influencer was never released after the vice president avoided discussing Gaza but surprisingly praised bacon—a food strictly prohibited in Islam.

Kareem Rahma, the host of the widely followed “Subway Takes” series on Instagram and TikTok, decided not to air his conversation with Harris, which was recorded over the summer, according to his comments to the New York Times.

Before the interview, Rahma intended to challenge Harris on her administration’s stance on Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza—a position he strongly opposes, as reported by the Times. However, despite multiple requests to address this topic during discussions with her team and the Democratic National Committee, he was denied.

Instead, Harris’ team agreed she would share a “hot take” on people removing their shoes on airplanes. The format of Rahma’s show involves guests, including notable figures, defending an unconventional opinion.

“[Rahma] ultimately agreed to the terms, reasoning that he could choose not to publish the video if it made him uneasy,” the New York Times story said.

During the interview, however, Harris veered off-topic, declaring, “bacon is a spice.” This was an unexpected remark, especially since Rahma, like many practicing Muslims, avoids pork due to religious beliefs.

“I don’t know,” Rahma reportedly replied, visibly surprised, as noted by the Times.

“Think about it, it’s pure flavor,” she continued, according to footage reviewed by the Times.

Rahma then paused the interview to explain his dietary restrictions and tried steering the conversation back to the agreed subject of airplane etiquette. Yet, Harris continued discussing food, this time promoting anchovies on pizza—a move reportedly suggested by one of her staffers.

“Well,” Rahma told Harris in the recording. “I’m 100% unsure on both of those.”

Rahma ultimately decided not to release the interview, concerned about backlash from the Muslim community.

“He had been apprehensive about potential criticism from other Muslims, and the bacon talk had thrown him off,” the Times reported.

“It was so complicated because I’m Muslim and there’s something going on in the world that 100 percent of Muslims care about,” Rahma told the outlet. “And then they made it worse by talking about anchovies. Boring!”

According to two senior officials from Harris’ campaign, Rahma was briefed about the bacon topic beforehand, but both Rahma and his manager refuted this claim. Despite the campaign offering an apology and suggesting a reshoot, Rahma opted not to proceed.

In August, Rahma aired an unrelated interview with Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, where Walz discussed gutter maintenance—a conversation that gained considerable attention online.

Harris, who has faced criticism for her limited media engagements early in her campaign, has a track record of problematic interviews. She has often been criticized for delivering what her detractors call “word salads,” referring to her tendency to make redundant or incoherent statements during the election period.

{Matzav.com}