Vice President Kamala Harris sat down for her first interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for president, reaffirming that her values have remained consistent despite shifts in policy positions. Harris, along with her running mate Tim Walz, spoke with CNN’s Dana Bash in Georgia during a two-day bus tour aimed at securing support in battleground states and increasing voter turnout among Democrats.
The pressure on Harris to address unfiltered questions from the media has been mounting ever since she took the helm of the Democratic ticket following President Biden’s withdrawal in July. The full interview is set to air at 9 p.m. ET on CNN, but a preview clip was released earlier in the day.
During the interview, Bash pressed Harris on the evolution of her policy positions, particularly on issues like immigration, energy, and healthcare. Harris, who previously supported the Green New Deal and a single-payer healthcare system, has appeared to moderate her stances on these issues. She emphasized the importance of border security and expressed willingness to sign a bipartisan border bill.
In response to the questioning, Harris maintained that her core values have remained unchanged. She highlighted her continued belief in the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and securing the nation’s borders. Harris pointed to her experience as the attorney general of California in prosecuting criminal organizations involved in illegal activities at the border as a testament to her unwavering values.
One notable revelation from the interview was Harris’s commitment to appointing a Republican to her Cabinet if elected. While the specific details of this decision were not disclosed in the preview clip, Harris stressed the importance of diversity of opinion and experience in decision-making processes. She expressed a belief that having different perspectives at the table would benefit the American public.
Despite facing questions about her limited engagement with the press since becoming the presumptive nominee, Harris has focused on campaign events and rallies rather than traditional press conferences. News organizations have been eager to secure interviews with Harris, but she has prioritized direct engagement with voters on the campaign trail.
As the countdown to the election continues, Harris and Walz are intensifying their efforts to secure crucial swing states like Georgia. The duo’s bus tour serves as a strategic move to solidify support among undecided voters and mobilize the Democratic base. With only 68 days left until the election, Harris remains focused on connecting with voters and outlining her vision for the future of the country.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s interview with CNN provided insight into her policy positions, values, and plans for a potential administration. Despite facing scrutiny over policy shifts, Harris reiterated her unwavering commitment to core values while also expressing openness to diverse perspectives in decision-making. The upcoming election will test Harris’s ability to connect with voters and lead the country in a time of uncertainty and division.
