In an exclusive CNN interview, Harris explains why she has changed her stance on key issues since her initial presidential campaign.
Savannah, Georgia —
Vice President Kamala Harris offered her most detailed explanation to date regarding her evolving positions on fracking and immigration in a Thursday interview with CNN’s Dana Bash. Harris clarified that while her values remain unchanged, her role as vice president has given her new insights into some of the nation’s critical issues.
In this exclusive CNN interview, Harris also stated she would consider appointing a Republican to her Cabinet if elected. She dismissed Donald Trump’s comments about her racial identity as part of the “same old, tired playbook.”
When questioned by Bash about her shifts on fracking and the decriminalization of illegal border crossings, Harris addressed the reasons behind these changes.
The joint interview with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, which took place in Savannah, offered one of the clearest insights into Harris’ current positions and her vision for the presidency.
Bash asked Harris, “How should voters interpret the changes in your positions? Is it a result of gaining more experience and understanding, or was it influenced by the Democratic primary? Can voters be confident that your current positions will guide your policies moving forward?”
**Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris were interviewed by CNN’s Dana Bash on Thursday, August 29, in Savannah, Georgia.**
*Will Lanzoni/CNN*
Harris emphasized that despite changes in her policy positions, her core values have remained consistent.
“I think the most important aspect of my policy decisions is that my values have not changed,” Harris stated. “Regarding the Green New Deal, I have always believed—and have actively worked on—the climate crisis is real and urgent. We need to set deadlines and hold ourselves accountable.”
During a CNN climate crisis town hall in September 2019, Harris was asked about committing to a federal ban on fracking on her first day in office. At the time, she affirmed her support for such a ban and promised to act on public lands immediately. However, by the time she became Joe Biden’s running mate, she had shifted her stance, including casting a tie-breaking vote to expand fracking leases.
On Thursday, Harris highlighted the Inflation Reduction Act, which made historic investments in combating climate change, as evidence of her climate commitment.
“We’ve set goals for the United States and the global community for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That commitment remains unchanged,” she said.
Additionally, Harris referred to her tenure as California Attorney General, where she prosecuted gangs involved in cross-border trafficking, as a testament to her enduring values on immigration.
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