On Thursday, August 29, Vice President Harris granted her first post-nomination interview as the Democratic presidential candidate, addressing her stance changes on fracking and border security. She also defended the economic achievements of the Biden administration and affirmed that she would not alter America’s policy on the conflict in Syria.
Since entering the presidential campaign on July 21, Harris had her first unscripted media interaction. Facing sharp questions from CNN reporter Dana Bash, she discussed why she shifted from a more progressive stance.
When asked to explain her changes in approach to fracking and border issues, Harris repeatedly stated, “My values have not changed.”
With only 67 days left until the U.S. election and less than two weeks until the presidential debate on September 10, Harris swiftly solidified her campaign platform in an attempt to win over undecided voters. However, she has yet to reveal many specific policies and did not introduce any new proposals during her conversation with Bash.
The interview also touched on questions regarding her running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, including issues related to his service record and misleading statements about undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments for their daughter Hope.
The two were interviewed at a locally-owned African American restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, a crucial state for Biden’s 2020 victory.
Just minutes before the interview aired, former President Trump’s town hall meeting in La Crosse, Wisconsin, had concluded.
Harris had planned to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019 but withdrew before the primaries. At that time, she supported initiatives such as Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and a ban on fracking. Bash pressed Harris to explain her wavering policy positions.
Harris stated, “I believe that the most important and meaningful aspect of my policy perspectives and decisions is that my values have not changed.”
She emphasized her clear statement during her 2020 debate with former Vice President Mike Pence that if Biden assumed office, she would not ban fracking and reconfirmed that she would uphold this commitment if elected in November.
Pointing to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, Harris highlighted the legislation’s focus on renewable energy investment, resulting in the creation of over 300,000 new jobs in the industry.
“This has shown me that, based on my experience as Vice President, we can achieve this without banning fracking,” she remarked.
Regarding the border issue heavily emphasized by Trump and Republicans, Harris reiterated that her values regarding ensuring border security had not changed.
Bash asked Harris about her support for decriminalization of border crossings, to which Harris replied, “I believe there should be legal consequences. We have laws that must be upheld and enforced to address the issue of illegal crossings.”
The reporter also raised issues about the southern border crisis, pointing out that the number of illegal immigrant arrests reached a historic high during the Biden-Harris administration. Bash questioned why it took the federal government three and a half years to take action to prevent illegal immigration.
Biden appointed Harris to address the root causes of the immigration problem. She stated that her efforts had contributed to a reduction in border crossings. Harris reiterated her support for bipartisan border bills that failed in the Senate, attributing the bill’s inability to pass to Trump.
Trump, at his town hall meeting in Wisconsin, expressed skepticism about Harris’s position shifts, particularly regarding her endorsement of border security. He remarked, “This is not her belief. Her belief is in open borders.”
After the interview, Trump’s campaign team criticized Harris for repeatedly claiming her values had not changed, labeling her as a “radical.”
Walz defended his past statements about having “wielded weapons in battle.” While proud of his 24-year military career, he admitted that his wording may not always be accurate.
In 2003, Walz was stationed in Italy providing base security during the Afghanistan War but never served in a combat zone.
In a 2018 video posted on social media, Walz publicly denounced gun violence, saying, “I’ve been on the battlefield with a weapon; we can ensure that the battlefield is the only place those weapons exist.”
Bash further pressed Walz regarding his and his wife’s use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), to which he clarified that their method of fertility treatment differed from the IVF procedure. Walz expressed that most Americans would not argue over the treatment type but would instead focus on criticizing Republicans on this issue.
On Thursday, Trump announced that if elected, he would require the government to cover the costs of IVF treatment or mandate insurance companies to cover the expenses.
When asked about her campaign slogan “Not Going Back” and how many Americans would prefer to return to the Trump era when prices for gasoline and groceries were lower, Harris refrained from directly answering the question. Instead, she highlighted White House investments in clean energy and manufacturing.
Regarding whether she supported Biden’s economic policies or “Bidenomics,” Harris mentioned the government’s actions to cap insulin prices, extend the Trump administration’s child tax credit policy, and restore 800,000 manufacturing jobs.
“I must say, these efforts have been commendable,” Harris remarked, “There is more work to be done, but these initiatives have been successful.”
However, she acknowledged that “prices are still too high” and outlined her economic policy suggestions to address “price gouging” and housing affordability issues.
Bash asked Harris if she would continue Biden’s military support for Israel or take any different measures, such as halting arms sales as advocated by some progressives.
Harris stated that she would not alter the United States’ policy of providing weapons to Israel and reiterated her call for a ceasefire agreement between both parties.
“We must work towards a two-state solution where Israel enjoys security, and the Palestinian people also have security, self-determination, and dignity,” she said.
Bash also inquired about how Harris learned that she would become the Democratic presidential candidate on the day Biden announced his withdrawal.
Harris mentioned that Biden called her to inform her of his decision to withdraw while she was with her family.
“He told me what his decision was. I asked him if he was sure, and he said, ‘Yes.’ That was how I learned the news,” she said.
When asked if Biden had actively endorsed her, Harris said, “He clearly indicated that he would support me.” She added that upon receiving this message, “My first thought was not about myself.”
Bash questioned Harris if she regretted defending Biden’s suitability after his poor performance in the presidential debate.
“Not at all,” Harris answered, “I’ve worked closely with President Biden for nearly four years, and I can tell you, it’s one of the greatest honors of my career.”
She stated, “He has the wisdom, dedication, judgment, and leadership qualities, and I believe the American people deserve a president like him.” She believed this contrasted sharply with Trump.
The Vice President also pledged that if she won in November, she would appoint a Republican to a cabinet position.
“I believe having individuals with different perspectives and experiences at the table is crucial when making some of the most critical decisions,” she said.