Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, made a strategic decision to sit down for her first major interview since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, selecting CNN despite the network’s heavily criticized moderation of the controversial June debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump.
After the debate, CNN anchors were widely condemned for allowing Trump to spread untruths and disinformation unchecked. On Thursday, a week after officially accepting the Democratic presidential nomination, Harris used that same network to set the record straight and present her vision for America alongside her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
The interview in Georgia during their ongoing bus tour marked a critical moment for Harris, who has lit a fire under a once stagnant Democratic Party and galvanized donors as she’s taken the lead in almost every national poll.
Dana Bash, who conducted the interview, opened by questioning Harris about her priorities if she were to win the presidency. Harris, clear and direct, outlined her immediate goals: 鈥淥n day one, we鈥檙e going to bring down the cost of everyday goods, support small businesses, and invest in American families. We鈥檙e not going back鈥攚e鈥檙e moving forward.鈥 Her response was a sharp contrast to Trump, who vowed that he’d be a dictator on day one.
Walz, seated beside Harris, praised the proposed agenda, highlighting its practical success in Minnesota.
鈥淭he child tax credit, for example, reduced childhood poverty by a third in our state. With a federal partner, the impact could be even greater,鈥 Walz said.
The discussion quickly pivoted to the economy, with Bash pressing Harris on why some Americans might, according to Bash, feel nostalgic for the economic conditions under Trump. Harris responded by highlighting the dire situation she and Biden inherited鈥攁 nation reeling from a pandemic, with millions of jobs lost and a collapsing economy.
鈥淲e inherited a nation in crisis,鈥 Harris said, recalling the early days of the Biden administration. 鈥淲e鈥檝e brought inflation down to under 3%, but we know prices, especially for groceries, are still too high. That鈥檚 why my agenda is focused on real solutions鈥攖ackling price gouging, investing in affordable housing, and providing a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.鈥
Harris also addressed her past positions on fracking and immigration, clarifying that her views have evolved as she gained more office experience. On fracking, she stated clearly that while she once supported a ban, she now believes in a balanced approach that doesn鈥檛 jeopardize jobs in key sectors. 鈥淚n 2020, I made my position clear and kept my word. My values haven鈥檛 changed, but my experience as vice president has shown me that we can achieve a thriving clean energy economy without banning fracking,鈥 Harris asserted.
When the conversation turned to immigration, Harris didn鈥檛 hold back in criticizing Trump鈥檚 handling of the issue, particularly his role in blocking bipartisan efforts to secure the border.
鈥淲e had a bill that would have added 1,500 agents to the border and increased fentanyl seizures, but Trump killed it because it didn鈥檛 serve his political interests,鈥 Harris said. She pledged to sign that bill into law if elected, underscoring her commitment to enforcing immigration laws with the experience she gained as California鈥檚 attorney general.
Bash also brought up Trump鈥檚 recent comment questioning Harris鈥檚 authenticity as a Black woman. Harris responded with a sharp dismissal, labeling it 鈥渢he same old, tired playbook鈥 and quickly shifting focus back to the issues.
By engaging with CNN now, Harris signaled a willingness to confront her critics and take control of the narrative as she moves toward Election Day.
In the interview鈥檚 more personal moments, Harris and Walz reflected on their families and the emotional support they received.
Bash asked Harris about a viral photograph showing her grand niece watching her accept the Democratic nomination. Harris, visibly moved, said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 humbling. This campaign is about what we can achieve together as a country. I鈥檓 running because I believe I鈥檓 the best person to lead this country forward鈥攆or all Americans.鈥
Walz, when asked about his son Gus鈥 emotional reaction during his speech at the Democratic National Convention, underscored the importance of setting a positive example for the next generation.
鈥淭o have my son feel that pride in me, to know I鈥檓 trying to do the right thing for our country鈥攖hat鈥檚 what this is all about,鈥 Walz said.
As the interview closed, Harris made a powerful appeal to voters, framing the upcoming election as a critical turning point for the nation.
鈥淭his election is about the kind of future we want to build,” she asserted. “Do we lift each other up, or do we tear each other down? I鈥檓 running because I believe in America鈥檚 potential to rise above division and hate. Together, we can turn the page on the last decade and write a new chapter in our nation鈥檚 history.鈥