Vice President Kamala Harris discussed how her views on issues like fracking and immigration have evolved, emphasizing that her core values remain unchanged on Thursday. She explained that her role as vice president has offered her a fresh perspective on these issues.
In her first televised interview with CNN since receiving the Democratic nomination, Harris, along with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, shared their campaign insights as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Here are the main points from their conversation:
- Shift on Fracking
Harris addressed her changed stance on fracking, which she previously opposed but now supports. She clarified, “As vice president, I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking.” Harris attributed this shift to a deeper understanding of climate policy complexities and pointed out that the Inflation Reduction Act, championed by the Biden administration, supports both fracking and clean energy advancements. She added, “I have not changed that position, nor will I going forward… We can grow and increase a thriving clean energy economy without banning fracking.”
- Arms Sales to Israel
The discussion also covered U.S. arms sales to Israel. Harris did not commit to continuing the current policy but emphasized the need for a resolution to the conflict. “We have to get a deal done. This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out,” she said.
- Response to Trump’s Remarks
Harris was asked about former President Donald Trump’s controversial comments on her racial identity, where he suggested she had “turned Black” for political gain. Harris dismissed Trump’s remarks as part of his “same old tired playbook” and avoided further discussion, simply stating, “Next question, please.”
- Day 1 Plans
When asked about her plans for her first day in office, Harris refrained from making specific commitments, noting, “We have 68 days to go in this election, so I’m not putting the cart before the horse.” This response may be a strategy to avoid making promises that could become politically problematic later. She did, however, reaffirm her support for continuing the Biden administration’s agenda, including infrastructure, healthcare, and climate initiatives.
- Governor Walz on Past Mistakes
Governor Walz addressed previous inaccuracies about his military service, where he had mistakenly claimed to have carried “weapons of war.” He admitted to the error, describing it as a slip of the tongue, and stated, “I certainly own my mistakes when I make them.” He defended his passionate statements on issues like school safety and reproductive rights, highlighting the clear contrast between his views and those of his opponents.
- Support for Biden
Harris praised President Joe Biden’s resilience despite any debate performance concerns, stating, “He has the intelligence, the commitment, and the judgment and disposition that I think the American people rightly deserve in their president.” She framed the 2024 election as a chance to move beyond divisive politics and focus on uplifting Americans rather than tearing them down.
