Vice President Kamala Harris addresses policy shifts and her unwavering values in a CNN interview, offering a fresh perspective on her campaign and future plans.
On August 29, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris sat down for a detailed interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, providing insight into her evolving positions on key issues such as fracking and immigration. This interview marks her first major conversation since President Joe Biden’s surprising withdrawal from the presidential race in July.
Harris emphasized that despite some shifts in her policy stances, her core values remain unchanged. She explained that her tenure as vice president has given her new perspectives on pressing national issues.
“I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” Harris stated during the interview.
The vice president addressed the criticism she has faced over her previous support for a fracking ban. In 2019, Harris had pledged to impose a federal ban on fracking. However, as Biden’s running mate, she shifted her stance and even voted to expand fracking leases. Harris explained that her views evolved in response to practical considerations and the Biden administration’s approach to climate change, including the Inflation Reduction Act. “We have set goals for the United States of America and by extension, the globe, around when we should meet certain standards for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. Harris highlighted that while her position on fracking has changed, her commitment to addressing climate change remains strong.
Similarly, Harris tackled the subject of her immigration policies. As California Attorney General, she had a tough stance on cross-border trafficking. Since then, her approach has adjusted, reflecting her experiences and understanding gained during her vice presidency. She emphasized that these changes align with her fundamental values and her ongoing commitment to problem-solving through consensus and understanding.
In addition to addressing her policy changes, Harris discussed her future plans if elected. She revealed her intention to include a Republican in her Cabinet, aiming to bring diverse perspectives into her administration. “I think it’s really important,” Harris said. “I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion.”
Harris also shared her reaction to Biden’s decision to end his bid for a second term. She described the moment she received the call from Biden while making pancakes for her nieces. The call marked a significant turning point in her campaign. “My first thought was not about me, to be honest with you. My first thought was about him,” she reflected.
The interview also touched on her response to former President Donald Trump’s attacks questioning her racial identity. Harris dismissed Trump’s comments as “same old, tired playbook” and did not dwell on them, focusing instead on the issues at hand.
Harris’s campaign has faced scrutiny regarding her record, with critics questioning why some of her proposals were not implemented during the current administration. In response, Harris pointed to achievements such as containing inflation, reducing prescription drug costs, and cutting taxes for families as steps toward fulfilling her promises.
Despite the challenges, Harris remains focused on her campaign’s core message: strengthening the economy and supporting the middle class. She has made affordability a central theme, targeting issues like food, housing, and childcare costs. Her campaign aims to resonate with voters concerned about economic stability and quality of life.
As Harris prepares for the remaining weeks of the campaign, her emphasis on her values and policy evolution reflects a strategy to address both past criticisms and future challenges. Her approach highlights a blend of consistent principles with a readiness to adapt to new information and circumstances.
The interview in Savannah, Georgia, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is her running mate, provided voters with a clearer view of Harris’s positions and her vision for the presidency. As the election draws near, Harris is working to solidify her position and present a compelling case to the American public.
In summary, Kamala Harris’s interview offered a comprehensive look at her policy shifts, her steadfast values, and her plans for a diverse and inclusive administration. As she continues her campaign, her focus remains on addressing economic concerns and building a consensus-driven government.
