Kamala Harris's 'Bacon as a Spice' Remark Leads to Withheld Interview, Host Cites Election Concerns

An interview featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris for the popular social media series "Subway Takes" was mutually agreed upon not to be released due to its "confusing and weird" content, according to host Kareem Rahma. The segment, filmed in Summer 2024 ahead of the presidential election, reportedly stalled over Harris's unexpected "hot take" that "bacon is a spice." The decision to withhold the interview was recently revealed by Rahma, prompting discussions around media transparency and candidate portrayal.

Rahma, a Muslim who does not consume pork, stated Harris's "bacon as a spice" comment was "really, really bad" and "didn't make any sense." Despite her team initially proposing a discussion on passengers removing shoes on airplanes, Harris pivoted to her bacon theory, later suggesting her love for anchovies on pizza after conferring with an adviser. The New York Times reportedly obtained the unpublished video, detailing the awkward exchange.

The host expressed concerns that airing the interview could have led to him being "blamed for her losing" the 2024 election. This mutual agreement to suppress the content highlights the delicate balance between a candidate's public image and their engagement with non-traditional media platforms. Rahma noted the complexity of the situation, particularly as a Muslim hoping to discuss the Israel-Hamas war with the then-presidential candidate.

The incident drew sharp commentary from independent video creator Matt Orfalea, who highlighted the situation on social media. Orfalea, known for exposing instances of media censorship, stated in a tweet, "Stop censoring real shit for bullshit reasons. THIS IS A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE......WHO ASKED TO BE INTERVIEWED...Let people see their politics as it is and decide for themselves. Just incredible." His remarks underscore ongoing debates about the control and dissemination of information, especially concerning political figures.

This event adds to a broader pattern of political candidates attempting to connect with diverse audiences through new media, often facing unpredictable outcomes. Previous instances of media scrutiny surrounding Harris's public appearances, including edited segments of traditional news interviews, have fueled public interest in how political narratives are shaped and controlled across various platforms.