Kamala Harris Defends Policy Shifts in First Interview as Presidential Candidate

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris are interviewed by CNN’s Dana Bash at Kim’s Cafe in Savannah, Georgia, on August 29, 2024. This is the first time Harris has sat with a journalist for an in-depth, on-the-record conversation since President Joe Biden ended his presidential bid in July. (Will Lanzoni/CNN)
Written By Lisa Murimi

In her first interview since entering the presidential race, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris defended her evolving stances on key issues such as immigration and climate change.

Speaking with CNN’s Dana Bash, Harris emphasized that while her policies have adapted, her core values remain unchanged.

“The most significant aspect of my policy perspective is that my values have not changed,” Harris stated.

The vice president, joined by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, faced questions about her previous support for banning fracking and her current position, which no longer includes a ban.

Harris pointed to the Biden administration’s achievements in clean energy and the Inflation Reduction Act as evidence of her ongoing commitment to combating climate change.

Harris also addressed her revised stance on immigration, underscoring the importance of finding common ground.

She reiterated her commitment to border security, even supporting a bipartisan deal that included funding for a border wall, a stark contrast to her earlier, more progressive views.

As the race heats up, Harris’s willingness to explain her policy shifts may play a crucial role in appealing to a broader electorate.

However, she remains under scrutiny from both political opponents and the public for these changes.