In her first major interview since being nominated for president by the Democrats, Kamala Harris defended recent shifts in her policy positions and hinted at a potential bipartisan approach for her administration. The interview, conducted by CNN anchor Dana Bash and set to air at 9 p.m. ET (01:00 GMT on Friday), comes as Harris and her vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, continue their campaign efforts.
Harris, who has moderated some of her stances since her 2020 presidential campaign, addressed criticisms regarding her recent moves towards more centrist positions. Notably, she has adopted a tougher stance on immigration and shifted her view on fracking, an issue crucial in swing states like Pennsylvania. Despite these changes, Harris emphasized that her core values remain consistent.
“My value around what we need to do to secure our border – that value has not changed,” Harris asserted. She drew on her extensive experience as California’s Attorney General, where she prosecuted criminal organizations involved in illegal border activities. Harris highlighted that her commitment to addressing transnational crime and ensuring border security remains steadfast.
The vice presidential candidate also discussed her openness to including a Republican in her potential cabinet. This move, she believes, would bring diverse perspectives to crucial decision-making processes. “I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences. And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my cabinet who was a Republican,” Harris said.
This interview marks Harris’ first one-on-one with a major news organization since President Joe Biden’s endorsement of her candidacy on July 21. While she has participated in interviews and fielded questions on the campaign trail, her solo interview with CNN is expected to address lingering concerns about her readiness and policy positions.
Harris’ relative absence from formal interviews and press conferences has drawn criticism from opponents and raised concerns among supporters about her performance in unscripted settings. Critics argue that her ability to handle spontaneous questioning may not match her effectiveness in prepared speeches and rally settings.
In contrast, Donald Trump frequently engages with the media through press conferences and interviews, using these opportunities to criticize his opponents, including Harris and Biden. During her visit to Savannah, Georgia, where the interview was conducted, Harris encountered a small group of Trump supporters braving the rain to demonstrate against her.
The interview was taped at Kim’s Cafe, a Black-owned restaurant in Savannah, as part of Harris and Walz’s ongoing bus tour through Georgia. The state, which played a pivotal role in Biden’s narrow 2020 victory, remains a crucial battleground in this year’s election. Harris and Walz are working to appeal to voters in a state that could significantly influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential race.
As the election campaign intensifies, Harris’ interview serves as an effort to present her in command of key issues while addressing concerns about her policy evolution and media engagement. The discussion on including a Republican in her cabinet reflects her commitment to a bipartisan approach and could resonate with voters seeking unity and cross-party collaboration.
