Harris defends policy shifts in First Major Interview
Kamala Harris defends policy shifts in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash Tuesday – her first interview since accepting the Democratic nomination for vice president – alongside running mate Tim Walz.
She said in an interview that, even though her stand has flipped on some issues, core values have remained the same. She credits this to vice presidents who help modify one’s outlook and the need to find common ground on an issue.
Harris has previously advocated for progressive policies such as Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and a ban on fracking. But as Biden’s running mate, she took up his agenda and is now working her way through the political center in her campaign. She said she longer supports banning fracking, citing experience and a need to reach climate goals without one.
On immigration, Harris was asked to explain her 2019 stance about decriminalizing illegal border crossings. She didn’t answer directly but pointed out the importance of having consequences and background related to law enforcement in the issues at the border.
She also showed her interest in including a Republican in her Cabinet with a view to bringing diverse perspective into her administration.
The interview also involved many questions that were not answered, among them those relating to U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan and the recent visit Donald Trump had with Arlington National Cemetery. Among the criticisms, the interview that Harris undertook did not comprehensively articulate the pressing issues and concerns leading up to the September 10 debate with Trump.
FAQs:
1.Why did Kamala Harris give this interview?
Kamala Harris gave the interview to address the growing questions regarding her evolving policy changes and to clarify the stances she has taken since being named the Democratic presidential nominee.
2. What did Harris say about her changed policies?
She said, even as some of her views have flipped with the issues, her core ideals remain unchanged. She cited that her vice presidency experiences shaped some of her recent policy views.
3. How has Harris’s position on fracking changed?
Harris no longer favors banning fracking, saying the nation’s climate goals can be reached without moving to ban the extraction method, which is popular in critical states like Pennsylvania.
4. Harris got asked a lot of questions about border policy. What did she say?
Harris did not respond directly to her prior support for decriminalizing illegal border crossing but doubled down on the need for consequences and promoted her experience as a law enforcement leader.
5. Did Harris say anything about her goals for a diverse Cabinet?
Yes, Harris said she would like to have a Republican on her Cabinet so she can have different opinions and experiences during her administration.
