Vice President Kamala Harris stated that America is „ready to turn the page” on Trump, in her first interview as a White House candidate, during which she expressed her views on sensitive issues such as energy, immigration, and Israel, while tempering her progressive positions. Additionally, when asked about topics she did not want to delve into, she said, „Next question, please.”
In this highly anticipated interview with CNN, on the sidelines of a campaign trip to Georgia, a key state in the South, Kamala Harris accused former President Donald Trump of „dividing the nation,” as reported by AFP.
The Democratic candidate, who has opted for a message of political reconciliation in contrast, suggested that "it would be a good thing for Americans if there were a Republican minister in her government" in the event of victory in the November 5 presidential election.
Asked about sensitive campaign issues, Kamala Harris specifically stated that in the event of victory, she "will not ban" hydraulic fracturing (fracking), a method of hydrocarbon extraction criticized by environmental advocates.
"We can grow and develop a thriving economy based on clean energy without banning fracking," reassured the vice president, although she had previously stated her opposition to this technique.
This is a hot topic in the highly contested state of Pennsylvania, where the hydrocarbon sector is a major provider of jobs and revenue.
Regarding immigration, one of Donald Trump's favorite topics, the 59-year-old Democrat stated that there should be "consequences" for individuals who enter the American territory illegally.
The vice president, who has taken more progressive stances on these two issues in the past, assured that "her values have not changed."
"I have always believed (...) that climate change is a reality, that it is an urgent problem," and that the United States must meet "objectives" regarding greenhouse gas emissions, she emphasized.
Republicans accuse the vice president of being inconsistent in her ideas.
"I can't wait to debate with 'comrade' Kamala and show how much of an impostor she is. Harris has changed her position on all subjects," said Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, referring to the televised debate he will have with his rival on September 10.
The 78-year-old businessman has intensified his attacks against Kamala Harris since entering the campaign, following the withdrawal of Democratic President Joe Biden on July 21.
He has accused her specifically of "becoming colored" for electoral reasons.
Asked about this, Kamala Harris, born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, did not want to elaborate, emphasizing that it is "the same old refrain," and adding: "Next question, please."
- "Is she Indian or colored?" How Kamala Harris responds to Trump's comments about her racial identity
Regarding another sensitive political issue, she reiterated her support for Israel's right to "defend itself" and answered "no" to the question of whether, as president, she would suspend American arms deliveries to Israel, while the war in the Gaza Strip continues for nearly 11 months.
According to polls, the duel with Donald Trump remains undecided, although the Democratic candidate is in a better position than President Joe Biden was.