WASHINGTON — In her first in-depth interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris defended her shifting views on border security and climate issues. She also pledged to include a Republican in her Cabinet if elected.

“I asked him, ‘Are you sure?’ and he replied, ‘Yes,’” Harris described during the interview, which was filmed earlier the same day in a diner in Savannah, Georgia, alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

This Democratic ticket’s interview, which aired during prime time with multiple commercial breaks, came amidst ongoing criticism from Donald Trump’s campaign for Harris’s delay in addressing the media, waiting five weeks for this interview.

This extended gap raised the stakes higher than usual for a candidate interview, especially with Election Day just 67 days away.

Harris expressed her belief that the American public is “ready for a new direction,” lambasting Trump for promoting a divisive agenda that has undermined the character and strength of Americans over the last ten years.

“I think people are eager to move on from that,” she asserted.

Despite her rise in polling since entering the 2024 presidential race, Harris has not yet conducted a solo press conference since stepping in as the Democratic nominee after Biden’s withdrawal.

Walz’s presence during the interview has also drawn attention from GOP critics. They argued that Harris’s inaugural interview as a candidate should have been a solo effort, even though co-interviews with running mates are common practice.

Top priority? Strengthening the middle class

Harris emphasized that her immediate actions would focus on “supporting and enhancing the middle class.” She highlighted her recent initiatives designed to lower grocery prices through anti-price gouging regulations and promote the building of affordable homes. She reiterated her vision of creating an “opportunity economy.”

“On my first day, I will implement my plan for what I call an opportunity economy,” Harris stated, outlining her intended actions.

When asked about the effectiveness of “Bidenomics,” the former slogan for Biden’s economic strategy, Harris said, “I think it’s good work. There’s more to be done, but it has been a positive start.” She emphasized the administration’s accomplishments in bolstering domestic manufacturing and offering tax credits for families with children, which aim to reduce poverty.

Defending Biden’s fitness without regrets

Harris expressed that she has no regrets regarding her defense of Biden’s mental competency, amidst concerns that surfaced after his challenging debate against Trump in June, which raised doubts about his cognitive abilities.

“He’s incredibly smart and dedicated to the American people,” she asserted. “I have spent countless hours alongside him in the Oval Office and the Situation Room. He possesses the intelligence, commitment, and judgment that the American people deserve in their president.”

She then contrasted this with Trump: “Unlike him, the former president lacks all of that.”

‘This war must end,’ says Harris on Israel-Hamas conflict

As her campaign events increasingly face interruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators, Harris restated her unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas and stated her opposition to withholding U.S. military assistance to Israel.

“Let me clarify. My stance is clear and steadfast in my dedication to Israel’s protection and its right to self-defense,” Harris expressed, while noting that “an unacceptable number of innocent Palestinians have lost their lives.”

Consistently, Harris has highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts to establish a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which would also facilitate the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

“We must reach an agreement,” stated Harris. “This conflict needs to come to an end.”

Harris responds to shifting positions

Bash asked Harris about the changes in her views now as a 2024 presidential candidate compared to her previous roles as a U.S. senator from California and her earlier campaign in the 2020 Democratic primaries.

For instance, Harris was a primary Senate supporter of Green New Deal legislation but has recently distanced herself from some of its more extreme proposals. She had previously favored a fracking ban for natural gas extraction but now stands against such a prohibition.

“I believe the most crucial aspect of my policy views is that my core values remain unchanged,” Harris explained to Bash.

Regarding the Green New Deal, Harris stated, “I have consistently believed—and worked towards—the reality of the climate crisis and the urgent need to establish measurable deadlines.”

She referred to the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, a key initiative of Biden’s administration, which provided incentives for electric vehicle production and invested in clean energy.

“We have established targets for the United States—and consequently for the world—about when we should achieve specific standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as an example. My commitment to this remains unchanged,” she added.

However, regarding fracking, which has drawn serious concern from environmental advocates, Harris mentioned: “As president, I will not impose a fracking ban.”

On border security

Harris asserted that her stance on securing the southern border has not evolved.

Despite opposing the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border during her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris supported bipartisan border legislation introduced by the Biden administration that aimed to allocate unused funds to continue building the wall, alongside various other initiatives.

This legislation, which Senate Republicans blocked at Trump’s request, aimed to enforce stringent new regulations on asylum seekers. Later, Biden resorted to executive action to reject migrants who didn’t enter through authorized checkpoints.

“My fundamental beliefs regarding the necessity of securing our border remain constant,” Harris said. “I served two terms as California’s attorney general, prosecuting transnational criminal organizations and enforcing U.S. laws against the illegal transport of firearms and narcotics across our borders, as a reflection of my values.”

The Trump campaign criticized Harris’ performance during the interview and her justifications for several policy shifts.

“Kamala spoke for just over 16 minutes and failed to address the ongoing crime crisis in our nation. She dedicated only 3 minutes and 25 seconds to the economy and 2 minutes and 36 seconds to immigration,” the Trump campaign stated. “Kamala claimed her values ‘have not changed’ on three different occasions. She remains a radical from San Francisco.”

Walz admits to misleading statement about military service

Walz remained silent for much of the interview but had a notable moment when discussing a previous statement in which he claimed to have carried “weapons of war” during his service.

Walz acknowledged his error, remarking, “My wife, who teaches English, often tells me that my grammar isn’t always accurate.”

He explained that his comment was made while speaking about the types of firearms that should not be accessible to children. Although Walz served 24 years in the Minnesota National Guard, he did not partake in any combat missions.

“My history speaks volumes,” Walz stated. “I strive to communicate as authentically as possible. I express my feelings openly and care deeply about the issue of gun violence affecting our children.”

Considering a Republican in her Cabinet?

Harris mentioned her intent to appoint a Republican to her cabinet if she wins the election, echoing her message from last week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago about being a president for “All Americans.”

“It’s crucial to me,” Harris stated. “Throughout my career, I’ve welcomed diverse perspectives. It’s important to include individuals with differing viewpoints when making some of the most significant decisions.”

Harris mentioned that having a Republican in her Cabinet could bring valuable perspectives and that it would be advantageous for the American public.

When asked about a specific Republican she would appoint, Harris replied that she didn’t have anyone particular in mind.

Harris brushes off Trump’s remarks about her racial identity

Harris recently responded to Trump’s comments questioning her Black identity, as she is of mixed heritage, being half Black and half Indian-American.

“It’s the same tired tactic,” Harris stated. “Next question, please.”

In a prior interview, Trump remarked about Harris, saying, “I didn’t know she was Black until a few years ago when she suddenly identified as Black.” during an event for the National Association of Black Journalists.

Besides being at a State of the Union address in the U.S. Capitol, Harris and Trump have never shared a room together. The first debate between the two major party candidates is set for September 10.

Contact Joey Garrison on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joeygarrison.