US Elections: First Harris-Walz Interview Airs on CNN
US VP Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate, conducted their first formal interview as the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential ticket with CNN on Thursday....
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Facts
- US VP Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate, conducted their first formal interview as the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential ticket with CNN on Thursday.[1][2]
- CNN's Dana Bash asked Harris to comment on her changing views on certain policies over the years, such as her support of banning fracking in 2019. Harris explained, 'No, and I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020, that I would not ban fracking.'[3]
- On the economy, Harris said that on day one as president, she would begin creating 'an opportunity economy,' adding that while grocery prices are 'still too high,' under the Biden administration's post-COVID policies, the US has 'recovered faster than any wealthy nation around the world.'[3]
- Harris restated that her commitment to Israel's right to self-defense was 'unequivocal' and 'unwavering,' though she also said that 'far too many' Palestinians had been killed and all parties 'have got to get a deal done' in Gaza.[4][5]
- When asked about questions raised by Trump concerning her Indian and Black heritage, the vice president described Trump's words as the 'same old, tired playbook' before stating, 'Next question please.'[6][7]
- Walz told Bash he was 'excited' about Harris's policy plans, and when asked if voters could take him 'at [his] word' following comments over his military service, use of IVF, and a 1995 arrest for drunk driving, he said, 'people know who I am' and 'I certainly own my mistakes when I make 'em.'[3]
Sources: [1]NBC, [2]New York Post, [3]CNN, [4]CBS, [5]FOX 5 New York, [6]The Western Journal and [7]Guardian.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by The Daily Beast and Guardian. To the disappointment of her detractors, Harris' first interview proved she's competent under pressure and not as ideologically radical as Republicans paint her. She was pragmatic and calm throughout Bash's questions as the vice president set out her policy agenda in more detail. Unfortunately for Republicans, this wasn't the stumbling block for the Harris-Walz campaign they hoped for.
- Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News and National Review. This interview was weak and deceptive. Bash's questions were largely poor, and any time the vice president was asked anything remotely uncomfortable, it was clear that the Democratic candidate was more than willing to mislead the American people. If Thursday night's performance is anything to go off, the real Harris will likely be put to the sword in her upcoming live debate with Trump.
