In her first sit-down interview for the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed voters’ concerns on a range of issues, from inflation to foreign policy. Harris, along with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, faced questions about their policy agenda and trustworthiness compared to former President Donald Trump. While Harris has closed the gap in national polling in recent weeks, trust in her handling of the economy, immigration, and abortion was split between her and Trump.
Harris outlined her plans to tackle the economy on her first day in office, focusing on implementing an “opportunity economy” that includes initiatives to lower everyday costs and support small businesses and families. She also praised the Biden administration’s efforts in job creation following the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harris proposed measures to reduce housing costs and expand the child tax credit to help families with young children.
In response to questions about immigration, Harris highlighted her work addressing the root causes of migration from Central America and criticized the failure of a bipartisan border bill supported by the administration. Despite being attacked as Biden’s “border czar,” Harris emphasized the importance of following and enforcing laws related to border security and immigration. She also reaffirmed her commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of attacks from Hamas.
Walz, Harris’ running mate, shared personal experiences with fertility treatments and addressed misconceptions about his family’s journey to conceive a child. He expressed support for reproductive rights and access to healthcare for women, emphasizing the importance of allowing families the chance to have children. Walz aligned himself with Harris on key policy issues and highlighted their shared values in addressing economic and social challenges.
Harris credited the Biden administration’s efforts in lowering healthcare costs for seniors and addressing issues of prescription drug prices, noting that they had successfully capped the cost of insulin for seniors. She also clarified her position on fracking, stating that she has not changed her stance since the 2020 election campaign. Harris highlighted the administration’s investment in clean energy and job creation without banning fracking.
Despite continued pressure from progressive voices in her party, Harris reasserted her unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense in response to military actions in the Gaza strip. She emphasized the need for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict, acknowledging the impact on innocent Palestinians. Harris stood by the administration’s policies on Israel and maintained her commitment to Israel’s defense and security.
