CNN political commentator Van Jones believes that Vice President Kamala Harris should continue to support fracking as a “geopolitical weapon” against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Harris has faced criticism for changing her position on fracking, moving from calling for a ban in late 2019 to supporting the practice. Jones highlighted the importance of fracking in countering Putin’s threats to cut off European natural-gas supplies during the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that Harris needed to support fracking to maintain the U.S.’s geopolitical strategy.
Jones pointed out that while Republicans criticize Harris for changing her stance on fracking, they have not held Trump and JD Vance to the same scrutiny for their own policy flip-flops. He argued that Harris’s support for fracking was crucial in preventing Putin from cutting off gas supplies to Europe and was a key aspect of the U.S.’s ability to support Ukraine during the conflict. Jones highlighted that Pennsylvania fracking played a significant role in the U.S.’s ability to export natural gas and support Ukraine during the crisis.
A Trump campaign spokesperson dismissed Jones’s comments, stating that Harris and Biden were responsible for a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and claimed that Harris had met with Putin before the Ukraine conflict began, which FactCheck.Org has debunked. Despite the criticism from Republicans, Jones reiterated the importance of fracking in the U.S.’s ability to combat Putin’s threats and maintain its geopolitical influence. He emphasized that the Democratic Party’s position on fracking had shifted due to the situation in Europe and was unlikely to change anytime soon.
Jones also mentioned that Harris’s silence on fracking during the Biden administration was a strategic move by the entire Democratic Party to combat Putin. He suggested that the party had shifted its position on fracking in response to the crisis in Europe and would continue to support the practice to maintain its geopolitical influence. Jones emphasized that Harris’s support for fracking was not just a political move but a necessary step to counteract Putin’s actions and ensure the U.S.’s ability to support allies like Ukraine during times of crisis.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s support for fracking is seen as a critical tool in the U.S.’s efforts to counter Vladimir Putin’s threats and maintain its geopolitical strategy. Despite criticism from Republicans, commentator Van Jones emphasized the importance of fracking in allowing the U.S. to support allies like Ukraine during crises like the Russia-Ukraine war. He suggested that Harris needed to maintain her support for fracking in order to uphold the country’s ability to export natural gas and support allies in times of need. The debate over Harris’s stance on fracking underscores the complexities of balancing domestic policy with broader geopolitical considerations.
