U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris defended her record and policy shifts in her first major interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for president. The pre-recorded interview with CNN, alongside her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, provided Harris an opportunity to tout the Biden administration’s successes and respond to criticisms of her evolving policy positions.
Harris emphasized the administration’s achievements, notably highlighting the reduction of illegal border crossings and the economic recovery following the pandemic. “We’ve seen a significant decline in prescription drug costs and the unemployment rate,” Harris noted, framing these as key indicators of the administration’s effectiveness. Despite her claims, the vice-president faced a challenging line of questioning, particularly regarding the ongoing concerns over inflation and the high cost of living, which continue to affect American households. Polls frequently indicate that many voters prefer former President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, adding pressure on Harris to justify the administration’s approach.
One of the more contentious parts of the interview involved Harris’s policy shifts during her tenure as vice-president. When confronted with accusations of having altered her stance on key issues, Harris maintained that her core values remained intact. “The most important and significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she asserted, aiming to dispel criticisms of inconsistency.
Harris’s positions on climate change and fracking were also scrutinized. She reiterated her commitment to addressing the climate crisis, citing the administration’s work on the Inflation Reduction Act, which has allocated significant funds toward renewable energy initiatives and electric vehicle programs. However, Harris was less clear on her shift away from her earlier stance favoring a ban on fracking, a hot-button issue especially in swing states like Pennsylvania. As vice-president, Harris had cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate supporting new fracking leases, diverging from her previous campaign pledge.
Immigration policy was another area where Harris’s past and present positions diverged. As a senator, she had advocated for the closure of immigration detention centers and the decriminalization of illegal crossings. Yet, as vice-president, she has supported a more moderate approach, aligning herself with bipartisan efforts to enhance border security. Harris defended her stance, noting the importance of consensus-building and pragmatic solutions over rigid ideological adherence. “My values have not changed,” she stressed, framing her moderated views as reflective of her broader commitment to governance and problem-solving.
The interview also touched on foreign policy, with Harris reiterating the White House’s position on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She called for a resolution that would secure the release of hostages and support a two-state solution, but stopped short of endorsing an arms embargo on Israel—a stance that has drawn criticism from some progressive Democrats.
Throughout the interview, Harris also addressed personal and emotional aspects of her campaign. Governor Walz, who accompanied her, spoke candidly about his own misstatements, attributing them to his passion for issues like gun control and healthcare.
Harris’s interview marks a significant moment as she steps into the spotlight as the Democratic nominee, following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. While she defended Biden’s legacy, she also sought to establish her own vision and leadership style, promising to be a president “for all Americans” and signaling a commitment to diverse representation in her potential administration.
Despite the high stakes, Harris’s message was clear: while her policy positions may have evolved, her dedication to her core values and to serving the American people remains steadfast. As the election approaches, Harris’s challenge will be to convince voters that her record and vision align with their aspirations for the country’s future.
