Harris and Walz Ease Into Prime Time
AtlanticAug 21
US Elections: First Harris-Walz Interview Airs on CNN
Above: VP Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally in August in Milwaukee. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US VP Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate, conducted their first formal interview as the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential ticket with CNN on Thursday.
CNN's Dana Bash asked Harris to comment on her changing views on certain policies over the years, such as her support of banning fracking in 2019. Harris explained, "No, and I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020, that I would not ban fracking."
The Spin
Democratic narrative
To the disappointment of her detractors, Harris' first interview proved she's competent under pressure and not as ideologically radical as Republicans paint her. She was pragmatic and calm throughout Bash's questions as the vice president set out her policy agenda in more detail. Unfortunately for Republicans, this wasn't the stumbling block for the Harris-Walz campaign they hoped for.
Republican narrative
This interview was weak and deceptive. Bash's questions were largely poor, and any time the vice president was asked anything remotely uncomfortable, it was clear that the Democratic candidate was more than willing to mislead the American people. If Thursday night's performance is anything to go off, the real Harris will likely be put to the sword in her upcoming live debate with Trump.
