Kamala Harris, who has been hesitant to give long interviews, faced extra pressure when she finally sat down with CNN, reports the BBC.
The interview had significant importance because she had avoided such appearances. Unfortunately, her start was not very strong.
At first, Harris struggled to explain what she would do on her first day in office, speaking in vague terms about creating opportunities and lowering the cost of living.
According to the BBC, this wasn’t surprising, as she’s known for giving detailed and sometimes confusing answers, often mocked as “word salads” by her opponents.
Although this wasn’t a big problem during the interview, Harris needs to clarify her plans to make life more affordable for working Americans if she wants her message on the economy to resonate.
Throughout the interview, which she conducted alongside her running mate Tim Walz, Harris appeared composed and confident, without making any major mistakes, according to the BBC.
When asked about her changing stance on key issues since her 2019 presidential run, Harris explained that her values remained the same, but she no longer supports a ban on fracking or decriminalizing illegal immigration.
She also defended her position on border security, citing her experience as a prosecutor in California, notes the BBC.
Immigration and the southern border remain challenging issues for Harris, which could be a weak point in her campaign, says the BBC.
Many voters across the U.S. care deeply about border security, and the Biden administration has faced criticism for the high numbers of undocumented immigrants at the southern border.
Harris, who was tasked by President Biden with addressing the root causes of Central American immigration, has been labeled the “border tsar” by Republicans, making her responsible for the current border situation, reports the BBC.
During the interview, Harris said she would push for a border security bill that had previously been blocked by former President Trump.
According to the BBC, Harris argued that Trump hindered the bill for political reasons, and she intends to revisit it if she wins the election.
However, she faces a difficult balancing act: promoting her role in the Biden administration while also presenting herself as a candidate for change.
The BBC highlights that in this interview, Harris remained loyal to President Biden and did not distance herself from his policies.
However, if she takes credit for the administration’s achievements, like lowering prescription drug costs, she also risks being blamed for issues like high inflation. It’s a delicate situation, explains the BBC.
When Trump recently questioned Harris’s racial identity, she chose not to engage, calling it the “same old, tired playbook,” according to the BBC.
Harris has largely avoided discussing the historic significance of her candidacy as a Black woman, focusing instead on her qualifications for the job.
The BBC notes that this is likely a deliberate strategy to keep the focus on her policies and avoid personal attacks.
In conclusion, Harris managed to navigate the interview without giving Republicans new ammunition, which, according to the BBC, might be seen as a success in itself.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl8y34389o