Key Moments from Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's First Major Interview: A Centrist Shift

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sat down for their first major interview on Thursday after President Biden withdrew from the 2024 election on July 21. The interview was conducted by Dana Bash of news in Georgia and aired that evening. Here are some key points:

Harris Moves Towards the Center

During the interview, Harris showcased her shift towards more centrist policies. One of the most notable promises was her intention to appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected. While presidents often include opposition members, it's usually in less influential roles. Harris's move signals her willingness to work across party lines.

For example, President Obama previously appointed Ray LaHood, a Republican, as his Transportation Secretary. Obama also kept George W. Bush’s Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, during his term, a significant move given the ongoing wars at the time. In contrast, neither President Biden nor former President Trump included opposition members in their Cabinets.

Harris on Changing Policies: ‘My Values Haven’t Changed’

Harris’s shift towards the center has led to accusations of flip-flopping on several issues. Previously, she supported a fracking ban, universal healthcare, and decriminalization of border crossings. Now, she promotes a more conservative, bipartisan border bill and emphasizes her past as a tough prosecutor, which contrasts with her earlier focus on police reform.

She defended her position changes, stating, "The most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed." For example, she no longer supports the Green New Deal but still believes in addressing the climate crisis urgently.

Harris did not directly address why she changed her stance on the fracking ban but mentioned that her shift occurred during the 2020 general election and has remained consistent since then.

Awkward Moments and Harris’s Response to Criticism

Harris faced a challenging moment when asked what she would do on her first day as President. Her initial response was vague, but she eventually outlined her economic plan, which includes expanding the child tax credit and supporting first-time homebuyers. These efforts would require congressional approval and take time to implement.

In response to criticism from Trump regarding her unfulfilled campaign promises, Harris pointed to the economic recovery post-COVID-19 and noted that inflation is now below 3%, though prices remain high. She also highlighted the administration’s achievements, such as capping insulin prices for seniors, a promise Trump made but didn’t fulfill.

Looking Ahead

This interview comes more than five weeks after Biden’s withdrawal, marking Harris as the Democratic nominee. With the pressure now slightly eased, Harris may participate in more interviews, allowing voters to get to know her better and reducing the impact of any potential missteps.