CNN’s Dana Bash is shrugging off recent insults from former President Donald Trump over her handling of a key interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. In an interview with Salon reporter Dean Obeidallah, Bash laughed at Trump’s harsh remarks, showing little concern for his criticisms.
Bash, who co-moderated Trump’s June presidential debate against President Joe Biden, became the subject of Trump’s ire after she prepared to interview Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz late last month. Ahead of the interview, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to challenge Bash.
“Dana Bash of CNN has a chance at greatness today,” Trump wrote on August 29. “If she gave a fair but tough interview of Comrade Kamala Harris, she would expose her as being totally inept and ill-suited for the job of President, much as I exposed Crooked Joe Biden during our now famous Debate. How cool would that be for Dana and CNN???”
After the interview aired, Trump vented at a rally, calling Bash “nasty,” as reported by Salon. Despite his remarks, Bash didn’t seem rattled, instead laughing out loud when Obeidallah brought up Trump’s comments during their conversation. “Did you see his long diatribe about how I have the potential for greatness?” Bash joked. “Obviously I failed.”
She further elaborated on how she handles public criticism, acknowledging that while it isn’t pleasant, she doesn’t let it affect her work. “I’m a human being and it’s not pleasant, but it honestly makes me more resolute in understanding the impact and the importance of what we do as journalists, and to try to tune it all out,” Bash explained. “It’s hard, but I try.”
Bash’s lighthearted response comes in the wake of Trump facing widespread criticism, even from Republicans, for what many are calling a “trainwreck” performance during his recent debate. Instead of addressing the criticism directly, Trump has lashed out at his opponents, including Harris, whom he insulted for her smile, and ABC News, whose broadcast license he threatened.
Bash’s ability to laugh off the situation underscores her commitment to journalism and maintaining professionalism despite high-profile attacks.