In a much-anticipated interview on Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris dismissed Trump’s attack on her racial identity as part of a “same old, tired playbook” and focused on discussing her positions on key issues like fracking and immigration.
During the interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Harris was asked about Trump’s controversial remarks made at a conference for Black journalists last month. Trump had claimed that Harris “happened to turn Black” and questioned her racial identity, stating, “I’ve known her a long time, indirectly. And she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I did not know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black.”
Trump further suggested that “somebody should look into that.”
Harris swiftly rejected Trump’s comments as unworthy of serious consideration. “Same old, tired playbook,” she said firmly. “Next question, please.”
The interview also provided an opportunity to clarify her evolving positions on fracking and immigration. She acknowledged that her stance on fracking has shifted since 2019, when she initially pledged to ban it. As vice president, she supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes measures that expand fracking leases. Harris emphasized that while her approach has changed, her commitment to addressing climate change remains unwavering, pointing to significant investments made under the current administration as proof of her dedication.
“We have set goals for the United States of America and by extension, the globe, around when we should meet certain standards for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as an example. That value has not changed,” she said.
“We have set goals for the United States of America and by extension, the globe, around when we should meet certain standards for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as an example. That value has not changed,” she added.
“I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she said. “You mentioned the Green New Deal. I have always believed – and I have worked on it – that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time.”
However, the Vice President emphasized that she believes “it is important to build consensus, and it is important to find a common place of understanding of where we can actually solve problems.”
On immigration, Harris discussed her past work as California Attorney General and how her understanding of the issue has deepened through her vice presidency. She assured that her core values on immigration have not changed, although her approach has been informed by her broader experience and engagement with diverse communities across the country.
In a forward-looking statement, Harris expressed her intention to foster bipartisanship if elected president. She said she would consider appointing a Republican to her Cabinet, though she did not have specific names in mind. She highlighted the importance of including diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
“I’ve got 68 days to go with this election, so I’m not putting the cart before the horse,” she said. “But I would, I think. I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. 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 was a Republican.”
See the first clip of the interview below:
BREAKING: The first clips of the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz interview with Dana Bash have been released.
Here is Harris calmly explaining to Bash her views and whether her values have changed. Notice the night and day difference between her and Trump
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 29, 2024
