Harris explains flip-flops: "My values have not changed"
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Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during a campaign event at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. on Aug. 20. Photo: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Image
Vice President Kamala Harris told CNN's Dana Bash on Thursday that the Biden administration has done "good work" on the economy, but "there's more to do."
Why it matters: Harris embraced parts of Biden's record during her first sit-down interview since becoming the Democratic nominee and defended her shifting policy positions from her 2020 campaign, saying that her "values have not changed."
- She said that her day one priority if election is to "strengthen and support the middle class," but did not outline specific plans.
- Voters consistently rank the economy as a top issue heading into November — and many are unhappy with President Biden's handling of the economy.
The big picture: The CNN interview was the American public's first real opportunity to hear from an unscripted Harris on her priorities — and what she stands for as a candidate — since she became the Democratic nominee in a historic fashion.
- "I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed," she said.
- On immigration, Harris noted her prosecutorial record as attorney general of California to say she has long cared about border security.
- Her answer was her most comprehensive yet on questions about how her policy views, including on immigration and border security, have changed from her presidential run.
Zoom in: Harris also offered a fierce defense of President Biden, who suspended his campaign last month following his shaky debate performance and backed her as the nominee.
- "I think history is going to show that in so many ways [Biden's presidency] was transformative," she said.
- She said that Biden "was very clear" that he was going to support her as the nominee, but she added, "my first thought was about him, to be honest."
The interview focused predominately on Harris, but Gov Tim Walz, her running mate, said that his "record speaks for itself" when asked about inconsistencies in describing his military record.
- "If it's not this, it's an attack on my children for showing love for me or it's an attack on my dog," Walz said.
Harris also told Bash that she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if she's elected in November.
- "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," Harris said.
The bottom line: Harris dismissed former President Trump's recent comments questioning her racial identity.
- "Same old tired playbook, next question please," Harris told Bash in response to the comments.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
