In her debut interview since securing the Democratic nomination, Vice President Kamala Harris assured voters that her core values remain unchanged despite shifts in her policy positions. Speaking with CNN’s Dana Bash during a bus tour in Georgia alongside Democratic vice-presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz, Harris addressed the evolving landscape of her political stance on key issues such as climate change, immigration, and health care.
Harris, who previously advocated for banning fracking and supported the Green New Deal, emphasized that while her policies have evolved, her values have stayed consistent. “The most important aspect of my policy decisions is that my values have not changed,” Harris asserted. She highlighted her commitment to addressing the climate crisis through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Vice President also defended her stance on border security, citing her experience as California’s Attorney General. Despite her previous support for a single-payer health care system, Harris now underscores the importance of bipartisan solutions, including her willingness to sign a bipartisan border bill.
Harris navigated a tough exchange with Bash over her past remarks on fracking. Although she once voiced clear opposition to the practice, she clarified her position, stating, “As president, I will not ban fracking.” When questioned about the discrepancy with her earlier comments, Harris reiterated that her values had remained intact.
Looking ahead to her potential presidency, Harris spoke about her day-one priorities, focusing on strengthening the middle class. She also expressed openness to including a Republican in her Cabinet, citing the importance of diverse viewpoints in decision-making. “I think it would benefit the American public to have a member of my Cabinet who was a Republican,” she said.
On foreign policy, Harris reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense but emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution in the region. She acknowledged the high toll on innocent lives and reiterated the importance of getting a deal done.
As the campaign heats up, both Harris and Walz continue to face scrutiny. Walz, addressing past comments about his military service, clarified that he never intended to mislead voters. Despite the intense media spotlight, Harris remains focused on the campaign trail, highlighting her vision for the future of the nation.
