VP Harris evades '60 Minutes' correspondent's questions about controversial edit: "I don't have the authority to discuss that."

During an interview on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich" on Wednesday, CBS News correspondent Jon Wertheim defended the network, stating that the ongoing editing controversy is exaggerated and beyond his authority to address calls for a transcript release.

CBS News has faced criticism after airing two different answers from Vice President Kamala Harris in response to the same question, following a much-criticized answer that was used to promote an interview on "Face the Nation" and later cut from the network's "60 Minutes" broadcast.

"Sports Illustrated's executive editor, Wertheim, responded to Dakich's inquiry by stating that they complete interviews and '60 Minutes' segments in approximately 13 minutes and 10 seconds. Despite spending hours or even days with the subject, the final product is condensed to just a few minutes. Editing is involved in every story."

"Although I am not entirely certain about the specifics, I do not fully comprehend the situation. To put it simply, when writing for Sports Illustrated, the online version may differ from the magazine version. Certain elements present in the advertisement may not translate to the final piece."

Wertheim emphasized that he does not comprehend the criticism, which has encompassed former President Trump condemning the network and a formal complaint lodged with the Federal Communications Commission.

"What is the purpose of a journalist sitting in a locker room with a tape recorder and not editing or making selective quotes? Wertheim stated, "I don’t make these decisions, but I feel like something’s missing here, because when in media do you not make editorial choices?""

On "Face the Nation," footage of Harris giving a lengthy "word salad" was aired by CBS on Oct. 6, prompting mockery from conservatives on social media. However, her answer was not included in the version that aired on "60 Minutes" on Oct. 7, and a shorter, more focused answer was shown instead.

Wertheim was questioned by Dakich about whether CBS News should release the complete transcript to clarify the situation.

Wertheim paused briefly before responding, "I believe there are certain things that are said in a transcript that may not make sense in context. It's not how the game is played."

CBS's "60 Minutes" does not have any ground rules, according to Wertheim, who stated that he does not speak for the show.

"This is above my pay grade," he said.

"I'm just confused by it all," he added. "Why would you assume that everything you do will be included in the final piece?"

According to Dakich, critics contend that CBS and "60 Minutes" are attempting to portray Harris in a positive light, and shortening her response during the primetime broadcast would have aided in achieving this objective.

Wertheim stated that he doesn't doctor anything and makes editorial decisions to fit into a time frame. He also allows the subjects of his sports reporting to re-answer questions if they feel they misstated something.

CBS News has not provided an on-the-record explanation or responded to requests for the unedited video.

CBS News did not immediately respond when asked about Wertheim’s comments.

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