Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, participated in their first major in-depth interview on Thursday since announcing their presidential campaign. The interview aired on CNN from Savannah, Georgia, and was hosted by anchor Dana Bash.
During the interview, Harris aimed to position herself as a unifying candidate in contrast to former President Donald Trump. She emphasized the importance of building consensus and finding common solutions to the issues facing Americans. “I believe people are ready for a new path forward,” she stated.
Bash challenged Harris on how her policy platform has evolved since her initial presidential campaign in 2020, and she also posed questions to Walz regarding his military statements. Harris asserted that her administration would focus on strengthening the middle class, mentioning proposals such as a child tax credit program and lower living costs.
This interview marks a crucial moment for Harris as she has a short window to earn voters’ favor before the election on November 5, after she assumed the Democratic ticket following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
When asked about her plans for her first day in office, Harris emphasized her priority: “We need to support and strengthen the middle class,” she said. She also addressed signature policies such as building initiatives to tackle housing shortages.
In response to a question about Trump questioning her racial identity, Harris succinctly replied, “That’s the same old tired script. Next question, please.” She was also asked how she received the news of Biden’s withdrawal from the race. “It was a Sunday,” she recounted. “We had just eaten pancakes when Joe Biden called.”
Harris also mentioned that she would consider including Republicans in her cabinet, which would mark a departure from the practices of previous administrations. “I need diversity of opinions,” she stated. However, this move may risk alienating progressive voters within her own party.
One of the discussions Harris faced was her changed stance on issues such as fracking and healthcare. She confirmed that she would not ban fracking, even though it had previously been part of her platform. “Let’s be clear: My values have not changed. I believe we can develop a sustainable energy economy without banning fracking,” she said.
The interview occurred at a time when the election is tighter than ever, with Harris and Trump engaged in an intense battle for voters. According to a recent poll from Reuters and Ipsos, however, Harris has slightly pulled ahead with 45% support compared to Trump’s 41%.
Bash also raised the question of Harris’s position on the Gaza conflict, noting that her unwavering support for Israel might impact her chances among progressive voters. Harris reaffirmed her support for Israel’s right to self-defense but underscored the importance of how this is carried out, expressing concern for civilian casualties.
The interview highlights Harris at a central moment in her campaign as she prepares for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming election cycle.