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Writer's pictureJudith Smith

Kamala Harris defends policy shifts, outlines vision in first major interview


In her first major interview since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris spoke with CNN's Dana Bash on Thursday, accompanied by her running mate, Tim Walz. The interview, recorded in Savannah, Georgia, focused on Harris's evolving policy positions and her steadfast support for Joe Biden.


Kamala Harris greeting people in a blue blazer jacket
Kamala Harris, photo: James Comey

Prioritizing the middle class


Harris was clear about her top priority if she wins the presidency: strengthening the middle class. She discussed a range of policies she plans to implement, including expanding the child tax credit, cracking down on price gouging for essential goods, and increasing access to affordable housing. These initiatives have been central to her campaign, reflecting her commitment to economic stability and fairness for American families.


In a candid moment, Harris shared how she learned of President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election a story she recounted publicly for the first time. She recalled being at home with her family, about to work on a puzzle, when Biden called to inform her of his decision. Harris said her initial reaction was concern for Biden rather than herself, asking him if he was certain about his choice. Biden, she noted, was resolute and expressed his full support for her candidacy, a gesture she found deeply affirming.


Defending Biden and his legacy


Throughout the interview, Harris remained firm in her defense of Biden, particularly in the face of growing concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. She expressed no regrets about supporting Biden for re-election before his decision to step aside, describing her tenure as his vice-president as one of the greatest honors of her career. Harris praised Biden for his intelligence, commitment, judgment, and temperament, qualities she believes are essential for the presidency. She contrasted Biden with former President Donald Trump, asserting that Trump lacks these attributes. Harris also highlighted the Biden administration’s achievements, particularly in the context of economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. She pointed to successes such as capping insulin prices, maintaining an inflation rate of under 3%, and the resurgence of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. These accomplishments, she argued, are a testament to the effectiveness of the administration’s policies and serve as a foundation for the work she intends to continue if elected.


Addressing policy shifts on fracking and immigration


Harris took the opportunity to explain her shifts on contentious issues like fracking and immigration. When questioned about her previous support for banning fracking, Harris clarified that her position has evolved. She now advocates for a balanced approach that addresses the climate crisis while also supporting a thriving clean energy economy without imposing an outright ban on fracking. On immigration, Harris reiterated her belief in enforcing immigration laws, pointing to her experience prosecuting transnational criminal organizations as evidence of her commitment to border security.


In a notable moment during the interview, Harris expressed her intention to include a Republican in her cabinet if elected president. While she did not specify any individuals or positions, she emphasized the importance of having diverse perspectives represented in her administration. Harris argued that including differing viewpoints in her cabinet would benefit the American public and reflect her broader commitment to inclusivity and bipartisanship.


Dismissal of Trump’s remarks


When asked about Trump’s recent comment that Harris had “happened to turn Black” in recent years, Harris dismissed the remark as part of the “same old, tired playbook” used by her opponents. She refused to engage with the inflammatory rhetoric, instead focusing on the substantive issues at hand.


The timing of the interview was significant, as it narrowly met Harris’s self-imposed deadline to conduct a media sit-down by the end of August. This appearance comes just weeks before the first scheduled debate between Harris and Trump, set to take place on September 10 on ABC. Harris’s decision to participate in this interview follows criticism from various political factions over her perceived reluctance to engage directly with the media since launching her presidential campaign. The pre-recorded nature of the interview, conducted jointly with Walz, drew additional scrutiny from Republicans, who questioned the format and timing.


During the interview, Walz addressed some controversies surrounding his past statements, including misstatements about his military service and his wife’s fertility treatments. He acknowledged these errors, attributing them to moments of passionate and candid speech rather than any intent to deceive. Walz specifically addressed a comment where he claimed to have carried weapons in war, clarifying that he had not been deployed to a war zone and attributing the misstatement to poor grammar during a discussion about a school shooting. He expressed his hope that voters would understand his sincerity and recognize the integrity of his character.


Emotional moments from the convention


The interview also touched on two emotionally charged moments from the Democratic National Convention: the image of Walz’s teenage son, Gus, tearfully expressing pride in his father, and a photograph of one of Harris’s grand-nieces watching her deliver her acceptance speech. Walz described his son’s reaction as a profoundly visceral and emotional moment that he will cherish forever. Harris, reflecting on her own historic candidacy, expressed humility and a deep sense of responsibility. While acknowledging the significance of breaking glass ceilings, she emphasized that she is running because she believes she is the best person to lead the nation, regardless of race or gender.


As the campaign progresses, it remains uncertain whether Harris will increase her frequency of media appearances. Some commentators have suggested that doing so could lessen the intense scrutiny each interview currently attracts, allowing her to focus more on conveying her message to the American people rather than responding to criticisms about her media strategy. The political landscape is poised for an intense and closely watched presidential race, with Harris and her campaign preparing for the upcoming debates and the final stretch of the election season. Trump, true to form, responded to the interview with his characteristic brevity on Truth Social, dismissing the discussion as “BORING!!!” This stark contrast in campaign strategies between Harris and Trump continues to set the stage for what promises to be a highly contentious election.

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