Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz sat down for their first joint interview with CNN’s Dana Bash in Georgia as they campaigned in battleground states. Harris faced questions about her policy positions, particularly shifts in her stances on immigration, energy, and healthcare. She emphasized that her values have remained consistent and highlighted her belief in the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and the importance of border security. Harris also expressed openness to appointing a Republican to her Cabinet, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Harris addressed her past statements on banning fracking, noting that she did support such a ban in a 2019 town hall but clarified that in 2020 she did not support banning fracking. She insisted that her values have remained constant throughout her career. When asked about her plans for day one as president, Harris spoke about strengthening the middle class but did not provide specific details on executive orders or directives she would issue. She also defended President Biden’s leadership capacity and expressed no regrets about her handling of concerns about his capabilities.
On the international front, Harris affirmed her unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense and ability to defend itself, while acknowledging the need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has led to the loss of innocent lives in both Israeli and Palestinian communities. Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, faced questions about his military service, with some questioning his statements about carrying “weapons of war” during his time in the National Guard. Walz reiterated his commitment to never demeaning another member’s service and clarified his previous remarks.
Harris recounted the moment when she received the call from President Biden informing her of his decision to withdraw from the race, which ultimately led to her becoming the Democratic nominee for president. She described the personal setting of the phone call, which occurred on a Sunday while her family was visiting and they were working on a puzzle. Throughout the interview, Harris emphasized her core values and commitment to addressing pressing issues such as the climate crisis, border security, and middle-class prosperity. She also highlighted the importance of diversity of opinion in decision-making processes and expressed openness to including diverse voices, including Republicans, in her Cabinet.
As Harris and Walz continue their campaign efforts in key states, they face increasing scrutiny and questions about their policy positions, leadership abilities, and past statements. The interview with CNN provided an opportunity for the Democratic nominees to address some of these questions and clarify their stances on a range of issues. Harris reiterated her dedication to her values and commitment to serving the American public, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges and conflicts both domestically and internationally. Moving forward, Harris and Walz will continue to engage with voters and stakeholders as they aim to secure a victory in the upcoming election.
