Recent criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris was justly deserved due to her lack of press conferences since she became the Democratic presidential nominee. She attempted to address this by taking part in a pre-recorded CNN interview on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, I came away feeling a bit disappointed—especially when she mentioned that she might invite a Republican to join her Cabinet if she wins. I had high hopes for Harris, but her comments to Dana Bash regarding fracking, immigration, and other topics suggest that she is leaning towards the center.

“I think it’s vital to build consensus and to find a common ground to solve issues,” Harris stated.

This idea is commendable, but it isn’t the reason I admired her. I appreciated the Kamala Harris from the 2020 presidential race who boldly advocated for transformative ideas.

With just 10 weeks until the election, every moment of exposure is crucial. Thursday’s interview was not fully comprehensive—issues such as abortion were notably absent—and Harris needs to participate in more media appearances to effectively communicate her platform.

Harris and Walz needed to advocate for reducing costs

One of the top concerns among voters is the economy, where Harris appears to be falling behind. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that 43% of registered voters favor former President Donald Trump’s economic policies, while 40% support Harris’.

In her opening remarks, Harris expressed her commitment to establishing an “opportunity economy” from Day One of her presidency. She highlighted initiatives such as the child tax credit, affordable housing, combating price gouging, and supporting the middle class.

“When I consider the aspirations and ambitions of the American people, I believe they are ready for a new way forward, inspired by hope and optimism,” Harris stated.

This response was sentient and centered around policy, which should resonate with those feeling economic pressures.

Harris called for a ceasefire, but pro-Palestinian voters are left in the dark

A significant point of contention for me during the Democratic National Convention was the absence of a Palestinian voice. Following the escalation in Gaza after Hamas’s attack on Israel, over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. While I appreciated Harris acknowledging this tragedy, her firm support for Israel remains a concern.

“Too many innocent Palestinians have died,” Harris commented, emphasizing the need for a resolution but aligning closely with President Joe Biden’s administration’s stance.

Although I understand that she is bound by her responsibilities as vice president, I hope to see her take a more progressive stand concerning the Israel-Hamas situation. It was particularly disappointing when she stated she would continue to provide military aid to Israel if elected.

Abortion is a key issue for Democrats, yet Harris didn’t address it.

This election cycle, abortion has emerged as a crucial topic. According to a Gallup poll, 85% of U.S. adults support legal abortion in some form.

Harris has been a strong advocate for abortion rights. During her acceptance speech at the DNC, she warned about the dire consequences a Trump presidency could have on reproductive rights.

“Simply put, they are out of their minds,” she stated in Chicago last Thursday evening.

Sadly, this crucial topic was absent from the discussion just a week later.

Gaza wasn’t the only letdown. Now Harris supports building the wall?

Harris has altered her views on several critical issues. What frustrates me the most is her increasingly conservative position on immigration. She has adopted a new approach regarding the extension of the border wall, which not only fails to enhance border security but also demonizes Latin American immigrants.

“We have rules that must be adhered to and enforced concerning individuals who enter our country unlawfully, and there should be repercussions,” Harris expressed to Bash.

This is a response I should have anticipated from someone with a background in law, but I was hoping to hear more compassion for those escaping perilous circumstances.

Additionally, she has changed her position on fracking for oil and gas extraction, which she previously sought to prohibit. This is a notable contradiction for someone who claims to be concerned about climate change.

A recent YSL News/Suffolk University Poll indicates that Harris is ahead of Trump with a 48%-43% margin. She currently has momentum that needs to be preserved, but I question whether moving towards the center is the best approach to achieve that.

Regardless, both she and the Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz should participate in more interviews and press conferences. I hope to see them doing more on their own.

Follow YSL News electoral columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno