• Reporter 12
• 29 Aug, 2024

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash Thursday for their first major interview as nominees.

The wide-ranging interview included topics from foreign policy to reflections on the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Harris says she would have a Republican in her Cabinet

Harris told Bash that if elected, she would name a Republican to serve in her Cabinet.

“But I would, I think. I think it’s really important,” Harris told CNN. “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.”

Bash pointed out that multiple Republicans spoke at the Democratic National Convention — one being former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, who received a hero’s welcome at the convention.

Harris on Trump’s lies about her race: ‘next question’

Bash also asked about comments Trump made during his visit to Chicago last month, when he appeared at the National Association of Black Journalists conference and lied about Harris’ race.

“Same old, tired playbook,” Harris told CNN. “Next question, please.”

Harris on the border

Early in the Biden administration, Harris was tapped to oversee diplomatic efforts with El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, dealing with issues causing migration and pressing them to strengthen the enforcement of their own borders. Although she faces scrutiny for her role, with Republicans calling her the “border czar,” she said her work has resulted in “a number of benefits.”

“The number of immigrants coming from that region has actually reduced since we began that work,” Harris said.

Texas started sending asylum-seekers to Chicago in 2022 and since then city officials estimate more than 46,700 people have arrived in Chicago by bus or plane.

She also mentioned a failed bill that the administration worked on with congressional Republicans to improve border security, including 1,500 additional agents. She said that the bill failed because Trump ordered Republicans to oppose the bill.

The Associated Press reported in February that after Trump signaled opposition to the bill, Speaker Mike Johnson rejected the bill as well, and the bill was blocked by Senate Republicans.

Harris: ‘I will not ban fracking’

Bash asked Harris to clarify statements she made in 2019, when Harris unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination, that she was in support of fracking.

“There is no question; I’m in favor of banning fracking,” Harris said at a CNN town hall.

Harris didn’t directly address her comments from 2019. She said she hasn’t changed her position since becoming Biden’s running mate in 2020.

“No, and I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020 that I would not ban fracking as vice president. I did not ban fracking as [vice president]. I will not ban fracking,” Harris said. “I kept my word, and I will keep my word.”

Harris said that her “values have not changed.” She expressed that the U.S. must guard against a “clear crisis in terms of the climate,” through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We can do it without banning fracking,” Harris said.

Harris says Israel ‘has a right to defend itself’

Harris made it clear that she would not support withholding military aid to Israel, a prominent demand from pro-Palestinian progressives in the Democratic Party amid concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change,” Harris said.

The Democratic National Convention was met with a range of criticisms about the party’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Thousands of protesters gathered in the area near the United Center, and delegates affiliated with the Uncommitted movement walked out of the United Center in protest, demanding that Georgia Rep. Ruwa Romman, who is of Palestinian descent, be allowed to speak.

Tim Walz talks about son’s viral convention moment

Tim Walz’s son, 17-year-old Gus Walz, went viral online for his emotional reaction to his father’s convention speech, crying while saying “that’s my dad.”

“It was such a viscerally emotional moment. I’m so glad he got to experience it,” Walz told Bash.

Amy Jacobson, a Chicago radio talk show host, was among many conservatives who mocked Gus Walz. She resigned as Amundsen High School’s volleyball coach Wednesday after criticism for her comments.

His parents told People magazine that Gus Walz has non-verbal learning disorder, an anxiety disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The call that made Harris the candidate

Harris shared details about the call that catapulted her to the top of the Democratic ticket, saying she was with her “baby nieces,” finishing up breakfast and about do a puzzle when Biden called.

When Bash asked whether Harris had to ask for the president’s support, she said “he was very clear that he was going to support me.”