Harris speaks to Bash during the interview in Savannah, one of the stops on her bus tour through South Georgia.Will Lanzoni/CNN
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, recently explained why her position on key issues has evolved since her first run for the presidency. In an exclusive CNN interview on August 29, 2024, Harris sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash in Savannah, Georgia, where she addressed questions about her changing views on fracking, immigration, and other topics that have been scrutinized during her campaign.
Harris emphasized that her core values have not changed, but her time as Vice President has given her new insights and experiences that have shaped her positions on some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. She highlighted that her previous positions were based on her knowledge at the time but stressed that gaining new perspectives as Vice President has led her to adjust her stance.
One of the major shifts Harris discussed was on fracking. Back in 2019, during a CNN-hosted town hall, Harris had stated that she would support a federal ban on fracking. However, by the time she became Vice President, her stance had softened. Harris explained to Bash that the nation can still make significant progress on climate change without banning fracking, pointing to the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act as a critical step toward addressing environmental concerns. Harris framed her evolving stance as a reflection of the need for pragmatic solutions in a complex world.
When pressed about her earlier support for decriminalizing illegal border crossings, Harris again cited her experience as Vice President as a reason for her change of heart. She explained that her work on immigration as California’s attorney general and her travels across the country as Vice President gave her a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration reform.
Despite these shifts, Harris made it clear that her guiding principles remain intact. “My values have not changed,” she said, explaining that her policy adjustments have been made in the context of real-world challenges and what’s best for the American people.
In the interview, Harris also touched on her commitment to strengthening the middle class. She reiterated that supporting economic growth and affordability would be her top priorities if elected President. While she did not lay out specific day-one actions, Harris emphasized that her focus would be on lifting the middle class through measures like combating price gouging and expanding affordable housing. These priorities align with her broader economic vision, which she’s been promoting in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Perhaps one of the most headline-grabbing moments of the interview came when Harris responded to attacks from former President Donald Trump. Trump had questioned Harris’ racial identity, suggesting she had “happened to turn Black.” Harris brushed off these comments, dismissing them as part of a “tired playbook” used by Trump to divide the electorate. Harris also revealed that she would appoint a Republican to her cabinet if elected President, a move she believes would help foster bipartisan collaboration and bring diverse viewpoints into her administration.
Throughout the interview, Harris was joined by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz echoed Harris’ vision of building consensus and moving the country forward. He defended his own record and pushed back against Republican attacks, particularly those aimed at his family. Walz highlighted his belief in inspiring America and addressing issues like the economy, which has remained a focal point of the Democratic ticket’s platform.
Harris’ interview with CNN comes as she continues her campaign for the presidency, just weeks after securing the Democratic nomination. As she moves into the post-convention phase of her campaign, Harris faces the challenge of convincing voters that her evolving positions are based on sound judgment and experience rather than political opportunism. The CNN interview gave Harris a platform to address these concerns directly, as she works to add depth to her campaign and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the 2024 election.
In Savannah, Harris stressed that her record as Vice President has shaped her approach to governance. She pointed to her visits to Georgia—17 times since becoming Vice President—as an example of her commitment to understanding the diverse needs of Americans across the country. As the election draws closer, Harris and Walz are focused on delivering a message of unity and practical solutions, hoping to inspire voters with their vision for the future of the country.
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