WASHINGTON — In a comprehensive interview with “60 Minutes” aired on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed her shift in policies regarding fracking and responded to former President Donald Trump’s decision to skip the interview.

Harris reiterated, as she had in a previous CNN discussion, that her change of heart on the fracking ban and Medicare for All—both issues she now opposes—was influenced by the perspectives she encountered while traveling across the nation as vice president.

“What the American public desires is leadership that can create consensus, identify compromise, and recognize that finding sensible solutions is not negative as long as it does not involve compromising one’s values,” Harris told “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker. “This has been my guiding principle.”

Initially, Trump agreed to participate in the interview, as reported by CBS. However, he withdrew, leaving only Harris and her running mate Tim Walz as guests, breaking a traditional precedent of over fifty years.

“Unfortunately, Trump canceled last week,” CBS correspondent Scott Pelley said in the introduction, noting the campaign provided “varying” reasons for his absence, including concerns about CBS fact-checking the interview.

“We fact-check every story,” Pelley stated.

Addressing Trump’s no-show, Harris referred to a previous debate remark, encouraging viewers to check out his rallies.

“If he isn’t providing your viewers with the chance for a meaningful dialogue, then tune into his rallies,” she suggested. “What you’ll find are discussions centered on him and his personal grievances.”

Harris on Trump: America seeks a leader who unifies

During her “60 Minutes” interview, when asked about her previous remarks labeling Trump as divisive, Whitaker brought up Trump’s baseless claims regarding Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio.

Recognizing that Trump has many supporters, he inquired, “How do you justify that?”

Harris responded, “I appreciate you highlighting his comments, which many reasonable individuals have deemed incorrect, simply wrong.”

When pressed again about the number of Americans who support Trump, whom she has labeled a racist in the past, Harris did not criticize those voters.

“I believe the American people are looking for a leader who isn’t trying to divide or belittle them,” she expressed. “The true measure of a leader’s strength lies in who they elevate, not who they put down.”

Harris prioritizes addressing high grocery prices

With the economy being the foremost concern for voters, Harris stated that tackling high grocery prices would be a priority if she assumes the presidency.

“I acknowledge this issue, and it must be addressed, which is why part of my strategy,” Harris said, responding to Whitaker’s inquiry if it was misplaced to blame her and President Biden for these prices.

She has suggested providing tax incentives for new parents, first-time homeowners, and entrepreneurs, indicating that she would finance these initiatives by raising the corporate tax rate—which needs Congressional approval—and increasing capital gains taxes for the wealthiest Americans.

Harris noted that while Biden faced challenges in passing significant aspects of his agenda through Congress due to proposed tax hikes, she believes she would succeed more effortlessly.

“If you converse quietly with legislators about this, they understand precisely what I mean,” she stated.

“Numerous congressional leaders recognize that the Trump tax cuts have significantly impacted our federal deficit,” she remarked, referring to the 2017 legislation he enacted.

Although analysts noted Harris’ economic plans might also contribute to increasing the federal deficit, predictions indicated Trump’s plans could have a larger fiscal impact.

Harris urges Congress for immigration reforms

Harris again urged Congress to enact bipartisan immigration reform, which stalled in the U.S. Senate after Trump discouraged lawmakers from supporting it.

Illegal crossings at the U.S. border have dramatically fallen since Biden implemented stricter asylum policies, and Harris asserted she would further intensify these measures.

“This is a longstanding challenge with achievable solutions. From day one, literally, we have been presenting solutions,” Harris shared with “60 Minutes.”

Harris reiterates support for Ukraine; expresses commitment to diplomatic engagement with Israel

When asked whether the Biden administration has influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris sidestepped but affirmed that Israel remains a crucial ally of the United States.

“The diplomatic efforts we undertake with Israeli leaders are an ongoing commitment”

“It’s important for us to be clear about our principles,” stated Harris. “With all due respect, the more pertinent question is whether we have a vital alliance between the American and Israeli people, and the answer is yes.”

Addressing the events following the October 7 Hamas attacks, she affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, adding, “But how they proceed matters. Too many innocent Palestinians have lost their lives. This conflict must come to an end.”

The Democratic nominee expressed that she would not engage in a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine war. “I cannot meet without Ukraine being included. Ukraine deserves a voice in its own future,” she explained.

When asked about supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership, Harris refrained from committing, even though NATO’s summer statement indicated an “irreversible” path for Ukraine to join.

“Those decisions will be addressed if and when we reach that stage,” said Harris. “Currently, we stand by Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked acts of aggression.”

She criticized former President Trump, claiming that if he were in power, he would make a deal that would hand over control of Ukraine to Putin. “That equates to surrender,” she remarked.