In a recent interview, Vice President Kamala Harris defended her policy shifts on critical issues such as fracking and immigration, maintaining that her core values remain intact. She also dismissed former President Donald Trump’s claims about her racial identity as the “same old, tired playbook.”
What Happened: In an exclusive interview with CNN on Thursday, Harris provided detailed insights into her policy changes, attributing her new perspectives to her tenure as Vice President. She also expressed openness to the idea of appointing a Republican to her Cabinet if elected.
Harris emphasized that despite her policy shifts, her values remain unchanged. She pointed to the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, a significant step towards combating climate change, as a testament to her commitment to environmental issues.
On the topic of immigration, Harris drew attention to her tenure as California’s attorney general, where she took a strong stand against cross-border trafficking gangs, demonstrating her consistent values.
Trump’s insinuations about Harris altering her racial identity over time were promptly dismissed by the Vice President. “Same old, tired playbook,” she said. “Next question, please.”
Why It Matters: This interview was Harris’s first media interaction since accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in the 2024 election.
The interview was an opportunity for Harris to clarify her stance on key voter issues. However, it also drew criticism from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who accused Harris of being unable to conduct her first interview independently and needing the support of her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The interview also provided Harris with a platform to respond to Trump’s unfounded allegations about her racial identity. Trump had previously insinuated that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to hold the vice presidency, had only identified as Indian in the past.
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