Vice President Kamala Harris recently participated in her first official interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, alongside her running mate Tim Walz. The interview, which took place at a restaurant in Georgia, covered various topics including Harris’ changing positions on certain issues, the historical significance of her candidacy, and her plans for her first day as president. Despite the criticism she faced for avoiding interviews in the past, Harris addressed the questions confidently and indicated that she would be open to having a Republican as a member of her Cabinet.
During the interview, Bash pressed Harris on certain issues, such as her stance on fracking and potential actions in the Middle East to help achieve peace. Harris was also asked about President Trump’s comments regarding her emphasis on her Black roots, to which she swiftly brushed off and moved on to the next question. Despite the pressure from Bash, Harris maintained her composure and offered her perspectives on each topic with clarity and poise.
CNN political analyst David Axelrod noted that Harris had raised the stakes by avoiding interviews until now, but he ultimately felt that she handled the interview well. By including Walz in the interview, Harris followed a tradition of presidential candidates appearing alongside their running mates. However, the decision to include Walz stood out due to Harris’ limited solo interviews and the condensed timeline of her campaign.
Some Republicans criticized Harris for using Walz as a crutch during the interview, suggesting that it could be a way to avoid tough questions. The Wall Street Journal even went as far as calling it an “insult to American voters.” Despite these criticisms, Bash directed the majority of the questions to Harris, with Walz only being asked a few questions in total. This interview marked a significant moment in Harris’ campaign, as she had previously faced backlash for avoiding interviews and journalists’ questions.
Overall, the interview provided viewers with insight into Harris’ positions on various issues and allowed her to connect with the audience in a more personal way. While some may have questioned her decision to delay interviews until now, Harris demonstrated her ability to address tough questions with confidence and clarity. As the campaign continues, it will be interesting to see how Harris engages with the media and handles future interviews leading up to the presidential election.
