Vice President Kamala Harris addressed accusations of flip-flopping on key policies in her first sit-down interview since becoming the Democratic nominee, emphasizing that her values remain unwavering.
Vice President Kamala Harris faced questions about her policy shifts in a preview clip of her first sit-down interview with the media since ascending as the Democratic presidential nominee. CNN host Dana Bash inquired about voters' perceptions of her changing stances, citing policies such as energy.
Harris responded by asserting that her core values have remained consistent throughout her political career. She highlighted her unwavering belief in the urgency of the climate crisis and her commitment to deadlines for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Harris pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act as an example of her values-driven approach.
Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview
As the Democratic nominee, Harris has drawn scrutiny for policy changes such as her shift from supporting a fracking ban to opposing it. She has also distanced herself from "Medicare for All" and semiautomatic rifle buyback programs, which she had previously advocated for.
Harris addressed these changes, explaining that her values have not altered. She emphasized her extensive experience as California's Attorney General in combating transnational criminal organizations and her unwavering commitment to border security.
Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview
The vice president's interview, which is set to air in full on Thursday evening, was conducted in Georgia at Kim's Cafe, a Black-owned restaurant in Savannah. She was joined by her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Harris's sit-down interview comes amid a string of attacks from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, who have accused her of copying their policies. The Trump campaign has released a scoreboard comparing Harris's current positions to those of Trump and Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance.
Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview
Despite the criticism, Harris maintained that her policies are driven by her values. She emphasized the importance of setting goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and securing the border, citing her experience as Attorney General in addressing transnational crime.
The Biden-Harris administration's handling of border security has also come under fire, with critics questioning the lack of transparency regarding the nationalities of migrants apprehended at the border who are placed on the terror watch list.
Kamala Harris Defends Policy Changes in First Sit-Down Interview
Harris's policy changes have raised questions among voters about her consistency and commitment to her previous positions. However, the vice president maintains that her core values have not wavered, and her interview with CNN is expected to provide further insight into her policy perspectives and priorities.
