Savannah, GA — Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz made their first TV appearance in Savannah, Georgia, where they detailed their policy plans and responded to ongoing criticisms, in an interview with CNNs’ Dana Bash.
The Interview:
On the first day of Harris’ proposed administration, Vice President Kamala Harris outlined an ambitious economic plan aimed at revitalizing the middle class. “We need to do everything we can to support and strengthen the middle class,” Harris declared. Her plan includes extending the child tax credit to $6,000 and making significant investments in affordable housing.
Governor Tim Walz, who has endorsed Harris’s economic proposals, expressed readiness to support her initiatives.
Harris criticized the previous administration under former President Donald Trump, attributing current inflation and economic difficulties to what she described as “mismanagement.” She highlighted the burdens of high housing costs, connecting that to her plan to allow first time home-buyers to receive a $25,000 credit “just to put a down-payment of a home.”
During her speech, Kamala Harris reiterated her position on energy policy. Despite her previous 2020 stance advocating for a ban on fracking, Harris stated firmly, “I will not ban fracking.” She emphasized her commitment to investing in clean energy and creating new jobs in this sector. “What I have seen is that we can grow without banning fracking,” Harris asserted.
On the topic of immigration, Harris discussed a bipartisan bill related to border control that former President Trump reportedly assisted in the rejection of the bill in Congress. She stated, “I would enforce our laws at the border,” reinforcing her commitment to maintaining current immigration policies.
Harris also announced her intention to appoint a Republican to her cabinet, aiming to incorporate diverse perspectives into her administration. She argued that such diversity would benefit the country, saying, “It would be a benefit of the country” to include a Republican voice in her team.
Harris reflected on the moment Joe Biden informed her of his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. “It was a Sunday… My family was staying with us, including my baby nieces, and we had just had a breakfast meal,” Harris recounted. She recalled asking Biden, “Are you sure?” to which he replied with certainty, saying, “Yes.” Harris noted that Biden was “very clear that he was going to support me.” She emphasized that her initial reaction was not about her own candidacy but rather concern for Biden. Harris also took the opportunity to highlight their joint accomplishments, underscoring the collaborative nature of their achievements in office.
In response to former President Trump’s recent criticisms, Kamala Harris defended her consistent values and policies.
She addressed a viral photo of her niece during her Democratic National Convention speech, describing the moment as “deeply touching” and “humbling.”
Governor Walz also responded to recent controversies regarding his comments on weapons in war. He clarified that his remarks were intended to highlight the need to protect students from gun violence and acknowledged his mistakes. “I certainly own my mistakes when I make them,” Walz said.
Harris shared a personal reflection on a phone call with Joe Biden, in which he informed her of his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. “It was a Sunday… My family was staying with us, including my baby nieces,” Harris recounted. She noted that her initial thoughts were about Biden’s well-being rather than her own candidacy.
As the presidential campaign continues, both Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are working to address key issues and clarify their positions to voters.
Trump appeared to respond to the interview by posting on Truth Social, “BORING!!”