This was her first sit-down interview as the democratic party nominee, this interview was split into parts, all of the other are in the description of the video.
In their first joint CNN interview following the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz revealed key insights into the Democratic ticket's strategy against former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Harris outlined her "opportunity economy" framework, featuring a $6,000 child tax credit and $25,000 first-time homebuyer credit, while defending the Biden-Harris economic record of reducing inflation from historic highs to below 3%. On contentious issues, Harris clarified her position on fracking ("I will not ban fracking"), addressed border security by emphasizing her experience prosecuting transnational criminal organizations and supporting bipartisan immigration reform, maintained support for Israel while advocating for a ceasefire and two-state solution, and pledged to appoint a Republican to her Cabinet. The interview demonstrated the candidates' electoral strategy for battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, balancing progressive values with pragmatic positioning while emphasizing themes of unity and economic opportunity against what Harris characterized as Trump's "decade of division" as they compete in what analysts consider one of the most consequential presidential elections in modern American history.
When confronted with Trump's comments questioning her racial identity, Harris delivered a remarkably concise twelve-word response: "Same old, tired playbook. Next question, please," demonstrating message discipline by redirecting focus to policy issues rather than personal attacks. Harris later addressed the historic nature of her candidacy with careful framing: "I am running because I believe that I am the best person to do this job at this moment for all Americans, regardless of race and gender." Throughout the interview, Harris articulated consistent campaign themes positioning the Democratic ticket as offering a "new way forward" that "lifts people up" rather than "beats them down," building on Biden administration accomplishments while presenting a fresh approach in contrast to what she characterized as a decade of division under Trump's influence—establishing a core thematic framework for what all analysts consider one of the most consequential elections in modern American history.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz conducted their first joint interview with CNN's Dana Bash following their nominations at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This landmark interview provides crucial insights into the Democratic ticket's policy platform, campaign strategy, and personal narratives as they position themselves against former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The interview establishes key messaging themes that will likely define the remainder of the presidential campaign.
Vice President Harris articulated what she termed an "opportunity economy" as her administration's foremost priority should voters elect her as President of the United States. This comprehensive economic framework directly addresses widespread voter concerns about inflation, housing affordability, and middle-class financial security.
Harris stated: "Day one, it's gonna be about implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy. I've already laid out a number of proposals in that regard, which include what we're gonna do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we're gonna do to invest in America's small businesses, what we're gonna do to invest in families."
Her economic agenda includes:
A $6,000 child tax credit extension specifically for a child's first year to help families "buy a car seat, to help them buy baby clothes, a crib."
A substantial $25,000 tax credit designed for first-time homebuyers to address the nationwide affordable housing crisis.
Targeted measures to combat grocery price inflation, with particular focus on addressing price gouging.
When challenged about why these initiatives weren't implemented during the current administration, the Vice President provided a robust defense of their economic achievements, noting that the administration inherited an economy devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harris emphasized: "When Joe Biden and I came in office during the height of a pandemic, we saw over 10 million jobs were lost. People — I mean, literally we are all tracking the numbers. Hundreds of people a day were dying because of COVID. The economy had crashed."
She highlighted their economic recovery accomplishments:
Reducing inflation from historic highs to below 3%.
Implementing a $35 monthly cap on insulin costs for seniors.
Successfully enabling Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.
Creating over 800,000 new manufacturing jobs through strategic economic investments.
Strengthening domestic supply chains to reduce foreign dependencies.
This economic messaging attempts to balance acknowledging current economic challenges while claiming credit for recovery measures.
The interview directly addressed Harris's previous statements supporting a ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), an important issue in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Harris provided an unequivocal clarification: "No, and I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020, that I would not ban fracking. As vice president, I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking."
When pressed about her 2019 statement in favor of a fracking ban, Harris acknowledged the evolution while maintaining her environmental values remain consistent: "My values have not changed. I believe it is very important that we take seriously what we must do to guard against what is a clear crisis in terms of the climate."
Harris outlined how her administration would continue addressing climate change without eliminating fracking:
"What I have seen is that we can grow and we can increase a thriving clean energy economy without banning fracking," she stated, noting the administration had created over 300,000 new clean energy jobs.
She also highlighted her tie-breaking Senate vote that increased fracking leases, demonstrating a record consistent with her current position.
This position represents a strategic approach to energy policy that acknowledges both climate imperatives and economic realities in crucial Electoral College states where energy jobs remain significant economic drivers.
Addressing what Republicans have made a central campaign issue, Harris responded to questions about border security and her role in addressing migration from Central America. She emphasized her unique experience:
"I'm the only person who has prosecuted transnational criminal organizations who traffic in guns, drugs, and human beings. I'm the only person in this race who actually served a border state as attorney general to enforce our laws."
Harris highlighted the bipartisan border security bill that was not passed:
"Donald Trump got word of this bill that would've contributed to securing our border. And because he believes that it would not have helped him politically, he told his folks in Congress, 'Don't put it forward.' He killed the bill: a border security bill that would've put 1,500 more agents on the border."
She emphasized the bill had earned Border Patrol endorsement and would have increased fentanyl seizures, connecting border security directly to the opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide.
When asked about her previous statements on decriminalizing border crossings, Harris stated: "I believe there should be consequence. We have laws that have to be followed and enforced that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally. And there should be consequence."
This position represents a careful calibration aimed at satisfying both progressive Democrats and moderate voters concerned about border security—a crucial balance in swing states where immigration ranks as a top voter issue.
On the ongoing conflict in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, Harris maintained the administration's approach:
"Let me be very clear. I'm unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel's defense and its ability to defend itself. And that's not gonna change."
She continued: "Israel had a right — has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed."
Harris emphasized the need for a resolution: "We have got to get a deal done. We have to get a deal done. This war must end."
She highlighted her commitment to:
Securing a ceasefire agreement that would facilitate hostage release
Working toward a two-state solution providing security for Israel and self-determination for Palestinians
This position attempts to satisfy both pro-Israel voters and those concerned about Palestinian humanitarian issues—navigating a divisive issue within the Democratic coalition.
In a notable commitment that could appeal to independent and moderate voters, Harris confirmed she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected. When asked directly, she responded:
"Yes, I would... I think it's really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it's important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences."
This pledge signals an intention to govern in a more bipartisan manner than recent administrations and provides a strategic contrast with perceptions of partisan division in American politics.
When asked about former President Trump's questioning of her racial identity, suggesting she "happened to turn Black recently for political purposes," Harris delivered a remarkably brief response:
"Same old, tired playbook. Next question, please."
This dismissive twelve-word answer demonstrates her refusal to engage with personal attacks or racial baiting while maintaining message discipline by returning focus to policy issues.
Governor Walz addressed questions about statements regarding his military service, acknowledging he had misspoken about carrying weapons in war without having deployed to a combat zone:
"I'm incredibly proud. I've done 24 years of wearing uniform of this country. Equally proud of my service in a public school classroom, whether it's Congress or the governor. My record speaks for itself."
Walz also addressed discrepancies regarding fertility treatments used by his family:
"I spoke about our infertility issues 'cause it's hell, and families know this... That's quite a contrast in folks that are trying to take those rights away from us."
This response connects his personal experience to broader reproductive rights issues while contrasting with Republican positions on fertility treatments and abortion access.
When questioned about his campaign's previous statements regarding a 1995 DUI arrest, Walz acknowledged responsibility: "I certainly own my mistakes when I make 'em... I think people know who I am. They know that record."
Harris provided a personal account of the moment President Biden informed her of his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race:
"It was a Sunday, so, here, I'll give you a little too much information. My family was staying with us. And including my baby nieces. And we had just had pancakes and, you know, 'Auntie, can I have more bacon?' 'Yes, I'll make you more bacon.' And then we were gonna sit — we were sitting down to do a puzzle. And the phone rang. And it was Joe Biden."
She continued: "And he told me what he had decided to do. And I asked him, 'Are you sure?' And he said, 'Yes.' And — and that's how I learned about it."
Harris expressed that her first concern was for Biden rather than her own political future: "My first thought was not about me to be honest with you. My first thought was about him to be honest."
She praised Biden's presidency as "transformative" across multiple policy domains:
"I think history is gonna show that in so many ways it was transformative, be it on what we have accomplished around finally investing in America's infrastructure, investing in new economics, in new industries, what we have done to bring our allies back together."
This narrative positions Harris as both a continuation of administration achievements and the beginning of a new chapter—a delicate balance aimed at both Democratic base voters and those seeking change.
Both candidates reflected on emotional moments from the Democratic National Convention that resonated widely.
Walz discussed the viral moment of his son Gus emotionally reacting during his convention speech:
"I don't know as a father I could've ever imagined that... to have my son feel a sense of pride in me, that I was trying to do the right thing. And it was just such a visceral, emotional moment."
Harris addressed the widely shared photograph showing her grand-niece watching her accept the nomination:
"I did see that photograph. And I was deeply touched by it. And, you're right, it's the back of her head, and her two little braids, and then I'm in the front of the photograph obviously speaking. It's very humbling."
While maintaining that "I am running because I believe that I am the best person to do this job at this moment for all Americans, regardless of race and gender," Harris acknowledged the significance of these visual representations of her historic candidacy.
These moments help establish personal connections with voters beyond policy positions, highlighting the candidates' family relationships and human dimensions.
Throughout the interview, Harris articulated consistent campaign themes positioning the Democratic ticket for the general election:
"I think sadly in the last decade, we have had in the former president someone who has really been pushing an agenda and an environment that is about diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans — really dividing our nation. And I think people are ready to turn the page on that."
This messaging establishes:
A "new way forward" contrasting with what she characterized as a decade of division
Leadership that "lifts people up" rather than "beats them down"
Building on Biden administration accomplishments while presenting a fresh approach
Harris concluded with a thematic statement: "That's what's at stake as much as any other detail that we could discuss in this election."
The interview reveals strategic positioning to address key electoral challenges in crucial states:
Economic messaging focused on concrete proposals appealing to middle-class voters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where economic concerns remain paramount.
Energy policy carefully calibrated to balance climate action with economic interests in Pennsylvania where fracking remains economically significant.
Immigration approach emphasizing both border security and practical solutions, critical in Arizona and Nevada where border issues significantly influence voter decisions.
Reproductive rights positioning that connects personal experiences to policy positions, potentially mobilizing women voters across battleground states.
The Harris-Walz ticket's messaging shows clear targeting of key voter demographics:
Middle-class families addressed through specific economic relief proposals and housing affordability measures.
Subtly acknowledging the historic nature of Harris's candidacy without making identity central to their campaign.
Walz's background potentially connecting with rural and working-class voters traditionally challenging for Democrats.
Bipartisan governance signals aimed at moderate and independent voters seeking reduced partisan conflict.
The Harris-Walz interview represents a significant moment in the 2024 presidential election: The Democratic ticket is transitioning leadership to a younger generation while maintaining policy continuity with the Biden administration. They are balancing progressive values with pragmatic positioning for electoral viability in key battleground states.
This interview provides context for understanding the 2024 election within broader political trends: The continued polarization around immigration, energy policy, and economic approaches remains evident in the contrasting positions. The growing importance of personal authenticity and relatability in presidential politics is reflected in both candidates' willingness to share personal stories. The persistence of identity-based themes in American campaigns continues despite Harris's efforts to focus primarily on policy substance.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz conducted their landmark first joint interview with CNN's Dana Bash on August 29, 2024, following their nominations at the Democratic National Convention. This critical moment in the 2024 presidential election campaign provided essential insights into the Democratic ticket's strategy against former President Donald Trump in what promises to be one of the most consequential elections in modern American history.
As reported by CNN, this was "the first time Harris has sat with a journalist for an in-depth, on-the-record conversation since President Joe Biden ended his presidential bid in July." The BBC emphasized this was "her first interview since entering the presidential race five weeks ago."
The interview took place at Kim's Cafe in Savannah, Georgia during a campaign bus tour, highlighting the Democrats' focus on this key battleground state in the 2024 presidential election.
The CNN interview highlighted Harris's "opportunity economy" framework that she presented as her administration's foremost priority should voters elect her as President of the United States in the 2024 presidential election. Harris stated directly: "Day one, it's gonna be about implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy. I've already laid out a number of proposals in that regard, which include what we're gonna do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we're gonna do to invest in America's small businesses, what we're gonna do to invest in families."
Her specific economic proposals for the 2024 presidential election include:
"A $6,000 child tax credit extension specifically for a child's first year to help families 'buy a car seat, to help them buy baby clothes, a crib.'"
"A substantial $25,000 tax credit designed for first-time homebuyers to address the nationwide affordable housing crisis."
"Targeted measures to combat grocery price inflation, with particular focus on addressing price gouging."
When challenged about why these initiatives weren't implemented during the current administration, the Vice President provided a robust defense of their economic achievements, noting that the administration inherited an economy devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported directly in CNN's coverage, Harris emphasized: "We had to recover as an economy, and we have done that."
The BBC noted that "polls suggest that voters would prefer Trump's handling of the economy," making Harris's economic messaging a critical factor in the 2024 presidential election.
The Harris-Walz interview directly addressed key battleground state concerns that will shape the 2024 presidential election. On fracking—a critical issue in Pennsylvania—Harris provided an unequivocal clarification: "No, and I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020, that I would not ban fracking. As vice president, I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking."
When pressed about her 2019 statement in favor of a fracking ban, Harris acknowledged the evolution while maintaining her environmental values remain consistent: "My values have not changed. I believe it is very important that we take seriously what we must do to guard against what is a clear crisis in terms of the climate."
Harris outlined her balanced approach to energy policy in the 2024 presidential election: "What I have seen is that we can grow and we can increase a thriving clean energy economy without banning fracking," she stated, noting the administration had created over 300,000 new clean energy jobs.
On immigration—a decisive issue for border states in the 2024 presidential election—Harris highlighted her unique experience: "I'm the only person who has prosecuted transnational criminal organizations who traffic in guns, drugs, and human beings. I'm the only person in this race who actually served a border state as attorney general to enforce our laws."
Harris emphasized the bipartisan border security bill that Trump opposed: "Donald Trump got word of this bill that would've contributed to securing our border. And because he believes that it would not have helped him politically, he told his folks in Congress, 'Don't put it forward.' He killed the bill: a border security bill that would've put 1,500 more agents on the border."
When asked about her previous statements on decriminalizing border crossings, Harris stated clearly: "I believe there should be consequence. We have laws that have to be followed and enforced that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally. And there should be consequence."
In a notable commitment that could influence independent voters in the 2024 presidential election, Harris confirmed she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected. When asked directly, she responded:
"Yes, I would... I think it's really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it's important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences."
The BBC highlighted this as a key takeaway, noting it would fulfill her promise to be a president "for all Americans" in the 2024 presidential election. NPR positioned this commitment within Harris's broader move toward the political center.
Throughout the interview, Harris articulated consistent campaign themes positioning the Democratic ticket for the 2024 presidential election:
"I think sadly in the last decade, we have had in the former president someone who has really been pushing an agenda and an environment that is about diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans — really dividing our nation. And I think people are ready to turn the page on that."
This messaging establishes a core theme for the 2024 presidential election:
A "new way forward" contrasting with what she characterized as a decade of division
Leadership that "lifts people up" rather than "beats them down"
Building on Biden administration accomplishments while presenting a fresh approach
Harris concluded with a thematic statement for the 2024 presidential election: "That's what's at stake as much as any other detail that we could discuss in this election."
The BBC reported that following the interview, "Trump described the interview as 'BORING!!!' on Truth Social when it concluded, and described Ms Harris as a fraud."
NPR captured Democratic strategist Joel Payne's analysis of how the interview positioned Harris in the 2024 presidential election: "The split screen works so well for her and Democrats right now. The chaos vs. stability argument that the Biden campaign was trying to execute against Trump, the Harris team is able to do it with so much more effectiveness."
NPR's Domenico Montanaro concluded that "from a strictly performance standpoint, Harris was clear, calm and didn't get rattled when pushed about changes to her positions on certain issues," suggesting the interview strengthened her position in the 2024 presidential election.
On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has emerged as a significant issue in the 2024 presidential election, Harris maintained the administration's approach:
"Let me be very clear. I'm unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel's defense and its ability to defend itself. And that's not gonna change."
She continued: "Israel had a right — has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed."
Harris emphasized the need for resolution in the 2024 presidential election context: "We have got to get a deal done. We have to get a deal done. This war must end."
The BBC noted that Harris "re-iterated the White House's position" while emphasizing that "the war must end," and would not commit to an arms embargo on Israel when asked directly.
The Harris-Walz CNN interview established the Democratic ticket's strategic approach to the final phase of the 2024 presidential election. Their messaging balances policy continuity with the Biden administration while presenting generational change, focuses on economic affordability while defending recovery accomplishments, and maintains progressive values while strategically moderating positions for battleground state appeal.
Articles Analyzed: NPR, CNN, and BBC
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Kamala Harris And Tim Walz CNN Interview
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Kamala Harris and Tim Walz CNN interview (part 1): Plan for first day in office - YouTube
CNN’s Dana Bash speaks with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz about what their first day of office would look like if they win the...