Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed accusations of flip-flopping on key policies during her first sit-down interview since becoming the Democratic nominee, claiming that her values have remained consistent throughout her career.

Vice President Kamala Harris has defended her policy changes on key issues, including energy and healthcare, in her first sit-down interview with the media since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.

In an interview preview released on Thursday, CNN host Dana Bash questioned Harris about her shift in stance on certain policies, such as fracking and "Medicare for All."

Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview

Responding to Bash's inquiries, Harris asserted that her "values have not changed" throughout her political career. She emphasized that her primary focus remains on addressing the climate crisis and securing the nation's borders.

"I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed," Harris stated.

Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview

On the issue of climate change, Harris reiterated her belief in the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She highlighted the importance of setting deadlines for meeting environmental goals, as exemplified by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Regarding border security, Harris emphasized her experience as California Attorney General in prosecuting transnational criminal organizations involved in illegal activities such as trafficking guns, drugs, and human beings.

Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview

"My value around what we need to do to secure our border, that value has not changed," she said.

Harris's policy changes have drawn criticism from opponents, who have accused her of flip-flopping on key issues. For instance, Harris has been criticized for her shift from supporting a ban on fracking to opposing such a ban.

Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview

Additionally, Harris has distanced herself from "Medicare for All" and semiautomatic rifle buyback programs, both of which she publicly embraced during her failed primary campaign in 2020.

Despite these changes, Harris maintains that her core values have remained constant.

"I have always believed, and I have worked on it, that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time," Harris said.

"I spent two terms as the Attorney General of California prosecuting transnational criminal organizations, violations of American laws regarding the passage, illegal passage, of guns, drugs and human beings across our border."

Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, participated in the interview, which was held at Kim's Cafe, a Black-owned restaurant in Savannah, Georgia.

The full interview was released at 9 p.m. Thursday evening on CNN. It covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, inflation, the environment, and immigration.

Harris's interview attempts to address concerns regarding her policy changes and reassure voters of her consistency in values. The interview also provides insights into her priorities and policies as a presidential candidate.