Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts as she visits Dottie’s Market in Savannah, Georgia, U.S., August 29, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Kamala Harris Outlines Policy Positions in First Major Interview as Democratic Presidential Nominee
Interview Overview
In her first interview with a major news outlet since becoming the Democratic nominee for president, Kamala Harris emphasized a tougher stance on U.S. border policy and reiterated her unwavering support for Israel. Speaking with CNN anchor Dana Bash, Harris sought to clarify her policy positions just over two months before the November 5 election, aiming to present herself as a decisive and experienced leader.
Migration Policy
Harris announced her intention to pursue comprehensive border legislation, aiming to tighten migration controls along the U.S. southern border. “We have laws that have to be followed and enforced, that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally, and there should be consequence,” Harris stated. This marks a continuation of her and President Joe Biden’s policies, though with a more assertive tone on enforcement.
Support for Israel
Harris also reaffirmed her commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, rejecting calls from some within her party to withhold weapons from Israel due to the high Palestinian casualty rates in the ongoing Gaza conflict. She maintained that achieving a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza was essential, but emphasized that this would not involve cutting off military support to Israel. “We must get a deal done,” she said, while stressing the importance of Israel’s security.
Abbas Alawieh, a co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, expressed frustration with Harris’s stance on Gaza, suggesting that her approach to achieving a ceasefire was inconsistent with continuing arms supplies.
Inclusion of Republicans in Administration
Harris also revealed her intention to include a Republican in her cabinet if elected, signaling her commitment to bipartisan governance. “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,” she said, highlighting the benefits of diverse perspectives in leadership.
Campaign Momentum
Since taking over as the Democratic candidate, Harris has seen a surge in both polls and campaign donations. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows her leading former President Donald Trump by 45% to 41%, with increased voter enthusiasm.
Economic Policy and Inflation
During the interview, Harris defended her administration’s handling of inflation, noting the challenges inherited from a “pandemic-ravaged economy” and the steps taken to lower prices. However, she acknowledged that “prices are still too high,” reflecting ongoing economic challenges.
Shift Toward Centrist Policies
Harris’s policy positions have shifted toward the center on certain issues compared to her 2020 presidential campaign. She has adopted a more stringent approach to migration and moved away from her previous support for a fracking ban, a significant issue in swing states like Pennsylvania. Despite these shifts, Harris insisted, “My values have not changed.”
Response to Trump’s Comments
Harris also addressed a comment from Trump questioning her identity as a Black American, dismissing it as part of a “same old tired playbook” and quickly moving on to the next question. Trump responded to the interview on his social media platform, reiterating his desire to debate Harris and accusing her of being a “fraud,” a term he often uses to falsely label her as a Marxist.
Interview Context
The interview, conducted by Dana Bash in Savannah, Georgia, took place as Harris and her vice-presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, were on a campaign bus tour. This marked Harris’s first one-on-one interview with a major news network since Biden ended his re-election campaign on July 21 and endorsed her.
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