Harris and Walz First Campaign Interview

This story at a glance…

1.  Kamala Harris and Tim Walz outlined their campaign vision in a recent CNN interview, sharing personal stories and policy shifts.

2. Harris addressed her controversial change on fracking and hinted at a bipartisan Cabinet if elected.

3. Dismissing Trump’s comments on her identity, Harris focused on moving past divisive politics.

4. With a promise of a "new way forward," the duo is betting on a message of hope and unity to win over voters.

Harris and Walz First Campaign Interview

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates, sat down for their first formal interview with CNN’s Dana Bash. The conversation touched on policy changes, campaign strategy, and personal stories, shedding light on their approach to the 2024 race. Here are the key moments.

Shifting Stances on Fracking
Harris addressed her changing stance on fracking, a significant issue for many voters. During her 2019 presidential campaign, she voiced support for banning fracking, but she now opposes such a ban. Harris clarified that she had already changed her position in 2020, aligning with the Biden administration's policy of expanding clean energy without banning fracking. She insisted that her values on climate change remain unchanged, despite her evolving position on this contentious topic.

However, CNN’s fact-checkers noted that while Harris did discuss the Biden administration’s stance on fracking during the 2020 debate, she did not make her personal position entirely clear at that time. This could complicate her messaging on energy policy moving forward.

Child Tax Credit and Clean Energy Jobs
During the interview, Harris highlighted the impact of the American Rescue Plan on reducing child poverty, claiming it cut child poverty by "over 50%." However, CNN’s fact-checkers clarified that while the child tax credit did lead to a significant reduction in child poverty, the figure was closer to 46%, and this decrease only lasted for one year. After the temporary enhancement of the tax credit ended, child poverty rates spiked again, underlining the short-term nature of this relief.

Harris also touted the creation of "over 300,000 new clean energy jobs" under the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. While it's true that the act has spurred significant job growth in the clean energy sector, fact-checkers pointed out that the 300,000 figure includes jobs that have been promised but not yet created. Other estimates suggest the actual number of new jobs might be lower, though the overall trend toward job creation in clean energy is undeniable.

A Willingness to Appoint a Republican
Harris said she would consider appointing a Republican to her Cabinet if elected. She did not mention any specific individuals but emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership. Harris pointed to past administrations, like Barack Obama's, which included Republicans, to show her willingness to build a bipartisan team.

Responding to Trump’s Criticism
When asked about Donald Trump’s recent comments questioning her racial identity, Harris chose not to engage. Her response was brief, reflecting a strategy to focus on policy rather than personality. This approach might shape how she handles future challenges from Trump, especially as they prepare for their upcoming debate.

The Call that Reshaped the Race
Harris shared details about the unexpected phone call from President Joe Biden informing her that he would not be running for re-election and would endorse her instead. She described the moment as significant but expressed concern for Biden, reflecting on his decision to step aside after facing questions about his health and performance.

Border Security and Policy Clarity
Harris discussed border security, another major issue in the campaign. She criticized Trump for blocking a bipartisan border security bill and stated that she would support it if elected. Harris also clarified that she does not support decriminalizing illegal border crossings, a position that marks a departure from her stance during her 2019 presidential run. This shift could reflect a broader effort to appeal to centrist voters.

Owning Mistakes and Moving Forward
Governor Walz addressed some past misstatements, including a mistake about his military service and comments regarding fertility treatments. He acknowledged these errors and stated he wouldn’t apologize for speaking passionately on key issues. This willingness to own up to mistakes could resonate with voters who value transparency and accountability in their leaders.

Vision for a New Era
Harris and Walz presented their campaign as a chance to turn the page on the past decade of American politics, characterized by what they described as “divisiveness and negativity”. They called for a new era where leadership is defined by “lifting others up rather than tearing them down”. However, they also face questions about why certain changes they propose have not yet been implemented during Harris' time as vice president.

Reflection
As the political season intensifies, it's essential to remember the values of humility, service, and unity. In a world that often encourages us to put ourselves first, Philippians 2:3 reminds us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” This call to humility applies not just to political leaders, but to each of us in our daily lives. Whether we’re engaging in discussions with neighbors, colleagues, or even those with whom we disagree, we are encouraged to act with kindness, understanding, and respect. Let us pray for wisdom, discernment, and grace for all leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, and commit ourselves to being peacemakers and bridge-builders in a world often divided by differences.