Kamala Harris gives first interview as US presidential candidate
Photo: Kamala Harris (Getty Images)
US Vice President Kamala Harris gave her first interview as a Democratic presidential candidate. The conversation with the media lasted about an hour and focused mainly on domestic American issues. The politician did not mention the war in Ukraine.
Here are Harris's main statements from her interview with CNN.
On plans for her first day in the White House
When asked what she plans to do on her first day in the White House if elected president, Harris said her priority would be to “support and strengthen the middle class,” including tax breaks and housing initiatives - all plans she has announced since the beginning of her campaign for president.
“Well, there are a number of things. I will tell you first and foremost one of my highest priorities is to do what we can to support and strengthen the middle class. When I look at the aspirations, the goals, the ambitions of the American people, I think that people are ready for a new way forward in a way that generations of Americans have been fueled by — by hope and by optimism,” Harris said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to President Joe Biden's policies on issues important to American voters.
Position on fracking and immigration
She also explained her change in position on fracking (a method of extracting unconventional natural gas deposits, such as shale gas, tight sandstone gas contained in dense rock). Fracking causes cracks in the rock, which allows gas or oil to come to the surface).
The journalist recalled that in 2019, Harris advocated for a ban on fracking on federal lands. However, later, as vice president, she supported a policy that allowed the expansion of fracking licenses. She says that her main goal is to fight climate change. She also pointed to the Joe Biden administration's passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which has provided record investments in climate change.
“My values haven't changed,” Harris assured the audience, emphasizing that she is only trying "to build consensus" on important issues.
Speaking about immigration, the Democratic presidential candidate believes that immigration laws should be respected and enforced, pointing out that she is the only candidate in the race who prosecuted transnational criminal organizations as attorney general.
“I’m the only person in this race who actually served a border state as attorney general to enforce our laws. And I would enforce our laws as president going forward. I recognize the problem,” Harris said.
On the possibility of appointing a Republican to her Cabinet
She also said that she would resume the tradition of inviting a representative of the opposing party to join the new government. Unlike Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who ignored this opportunity, Harris is going to give one portfolio to a Republican to justify the slogan “president for all Americans.” But she does not have a specific candidate in mind.
“I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences. And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my Cabinet who is a Republican,” Harris said.
A brief response to questions about criticizing Trump
Harris was responding to her rival Donald Trump's accusations about her race. She quickly dismissed a question about Trump's comments that she "had changed her racial identity.”
“Same old, tired playbook. Next question, please,” the politician said shortly.
On foreign policy: Without mentioning Ukraine, but with a position on Israel
Speaking about foreign policy, she paid attention to the topic of relations with Israel but did not talk about the war in Ukraine. Harris says that if she wins the presidential election, she will continue to support and defend Israel. According to her, she supports a strong Israel, but it is necessary to make a deal.
“This war must end... And we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out,” the politician said.
Harris adds that she remains committed "to work toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure and in equal measure the Paletin — the Palestinians have security and self-determination and — and dignity.”
The US presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Americans will elect the 47th president of the country.
The current American leader Joe Biden officially announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and supported the candidacy of his vice president, Kamala Harris, from the Democratic Party.
Her main rival in this race is former US President Donald Trump, who has also officially agreed to run for the US presidency from the Republican Party.
According to recent Bloomberg polls, Harris leads Trump in key states.
