Kamala Harris pledges to maintain Biden’s Israel policy in first interview as Democratic presidential nominee
Kamala Harris affirms support for Israel
In her first interview since being nominated as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, joined by her vice-presidential pick, Tim Walz, emphasized that she would not alter President Biden’s policy on arms for Israel.
Harris underscored her firm stance, stating she remains “unequivocal and unwavering” in her “commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself,” adding, “That’s not gonna change.” She also acknowledged the loss of life on both sides of the ongoing conflict, noting, “Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed,” and stressing the urgency of reaching a peace agreement. “This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out.”
On Trump and racial identity remarks
When asked about former President Donald Trump’s recent comments questioning her racial identity, Harris dismissed the remarks as part of Trump’s “same old tired playbook” and urged the CNN interviewer to move on to other topics.
Last month, during a panel hosted by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Trump questioned Harris’ racial background, stating, “She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black.”
Harris’ plans for her presidency
Pressed on what actions she would take on her first day in office if elected, Harris did not specify any executive orders but highlighted her focus on building an “opportunity economy.” She said, “Day one, it’s going to 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 going to do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we’re going to do to invest in America’s small businesses, what we’re going to do to invest in families.”
When asked about her previous positions on fracking and the decriminalization of illegal border crossings, Harris insisted her core values remained consistent. “I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she stated. She reaffirmed her commitment to addressing climate change, saying, “I have always believed – and I have worked on it – that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time.”
Open to appointing a Republican to her cabinet
Harris also indicated she would consider appointing a Republican to her cabinet, emphasizing the importance of “diversity of opinion.” She explained, “I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting a diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made, and they have different views and different experiences. And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my cabinet who was a Republican.”
Reaction to Biden’s withdrawal from the race
Reflecting on President Biden’s decision to step down from the presidential race, Harris revealed she learned of his choice while spending time with her family. She humorously noted that she had just finished eating pancakes and bacon when she received the news. When asked if she sought Biden’s endorsement, Harris responded that the president “was very clear that he was going to support me.”