Kamala Harris’s performance during CNN’s town hall event with Pennsylvania voters on Wednesday left many critics, including CNN’s own pundits, unimpressed.

Harris’s responses, particularly on critical topics like immigration and foreign policy, were characterized by long, evasive answers that frustrated both viewers and political commentators.

CNN anchor Dana Bash summed it up succinctly, stating that Harris had failed to “close the deal” with undecided voters, though she acknowledged that her appearance in front of voters was still considered a win for her campaign. Veteran Democratic strategist David Axelrod was even more blunt, criticizing Harris’s tendency to slip into what he called “Word Salad City” when faced with difficult questions.

One notable example came when Anderson Cooper asked whether she would be tougher on Israel than Donald Trump, to which Harris delivered a seven-minute response without actually answering the question.

Harris’s handling of immigration also drew criticism. While she defended her and President Biden’s efforts, pointing to recent executive actions that have significantly reduced illegal crossings, she dodged admitting that those actions came too late.

Cooper pressed her repeatedly on why those measures weren’t implemented sooner in 2022 or 2023, but Harris largely deflected, emphasizing the need for a long-term fix through congressional action.

Her refusal to admit any faults in the administration’s policies seemed to frustrate even Democratic commentators. Axelrod noted that failing to acknowledge legitimate concerns about border policies was a “mistake,” and CNN’s Abby Phillip remarked that her responses were notably light on policy.

The vice president also stuck to familiar attacks on Donald Trump, labeling him a fascist and warning voters that if he is re-elected, he will be “plotting revenge” from the Oval Office.

While Harris’s messaging against Trump resonated with her base, it did little to win over the swing voters in attendance or address their specific concerns, such as rising immigration issues or economic challenges.