Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, sat for their first major interview since becoming the Democratic nominees, conducted by CNN’s Dana Bash. The interview, part of their campaign trail in Georgia, aired on Thursday evening, while the actual sit-down was much shorter, interspersed with campaign footage and commercials.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

Harris Defends Her Policy Shifts

Harris tackled her vulnerability regarding frequent changes in her position. She asserted, “My values have not changed,” emphasizing her belief in the dangers of climate change and her past hawkish stance on immigration as California’s attorney general. However, inconsistencies appeared when Bash questioned her stance on fracking and decriminalizing unauthorized border crossings. Harris's responses highlighted her shifting positions without convincingly winning over skeptics.

Biden’s Withdrawal from the Race

Harris expressed strong loyalty to President Biden, describing his presidency as “transformative” and praising his intelligence and selflessness. She shared a personal anecdote about Biden’s decision to step aside, mentioning her family’s presence during the call. Although she didn’t explicitly ask for Biden’s endorsement, she implied it was a given.

When asked about “Bidenomics,” Harris focused on popular aspects of Biden’s economic record without directly labeling it a success, acknowledging both achievements and areas needing improvement.

Appealing to Disaffected Republicans

Harris aimed to attract undecided voters and moderate Republicans. She suggested an openness to appointing a Republican to her cabinet, emphasizing her career-long commitment to diversity of opinion. This promise was a clear attempt to bridge political divides and reassure conservatives of their representation in her administration.

Walz Faces Criticism and Hurdles

The decision to pair Harris’s interview with Walz drew some criticism, especially from conservatives, who felt that Harris should have faced the interview solo. Nevertheless, Walz navigated his part of the interview adequately. He addressed past controversial remarks about carrying weapons “in war” and discussed his wife’s fertility treatment candidly.

Walz’s most notable moment came when he emotionally recounted his son Gus's pride in his Democratic convention speech, showcasing his relatable side.

Trump’s Reaction and Harris’s Strategy

Former President Trump called the interview “BORING!!!” on Truth Social. However, this “boring” tone likely benefited Harris. Since Biden’s announcement to step aside, Harris has solidified her nomination, garnered Democratic enthusiasm, and built a robust campaign fund, all while gaining a slight lead over Trump in polls.

The interview, although not extraordinary, served its purpose without derailing their momentum. Harris and Walz successfully conducted a major interview, reinforcing their positions and handling critiques without significant missteps. On Thursday, they accomplished a modest yet essential campaign milestone.

Conclusion

Harris and Walz’s CNN interview, despite some critiques and challenges, reinforced their stance within the Democratic ticket. Harris underscored her policy commitments while addressing inconsistencies in her past positions. Walz, meanwhile, showcased his emotional connection with his family and addressed criticisms candidly. They collectively presented a moderated, uncontroversial vision that aims to attract central and conservative voters, ensuring their campaign’s continued momentum as they edge closer to the elections.

 

 

 

Yuge success!

Did Harris say Biden was sharp mentally before he was forced out?  

Not the best interview but way better than anything Trump has done.

6 hours ago, TedG said:

Did Harris say Biden was sharp mentally before he was forced out?  

Seriously? A MAGA cultist bringing up mental sharpness?

 

And why aren't we all harping on the oldest man EVER running for president NOW?  Hmmm?

6 hours ago, TedG said:

Did Harris say Biden was sharp mentally before he was forced out?  

You're still supporting an old man for president? Too funny

If these are "bombshells", if this is Kamala at her best, then Trump has nothing to worry about. A very gentle Dana Bash gave her trouble over the course of a grand total of about 20 minutes' time.  She will wilt in a debate.

13 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

If these are "bombshells", if this is Kamala at her best, then Trump has nothing to worry about. A very gentle Dana Bash gave her trouble over the course of a grand total of about 20 minutes' time.  She will wilt in a debate.

If the convicted felon has "nothing to worry about," then why is he up all night long hate-posting on his fake twitter (which is tanking on the market, BTW)?

 

If he isn't worried, then he should be. 

22 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

If these are "bombshells", if this is Kamala at her best, then Trump has nothing to worry about. A very gentle Dana Bash gave her trouble over the course of a grand total of about 20 minutes' time.  She will wilt in a debate.

Kamala is a way better choice than the convicted criminal and conman Trump. N comparison. Stunning some still support the old man

4 hours ago, Roo Island said:

10 hours ago, TedG said:

Did Harris say Biden was sharp mentally before he was forced out?  

You're still supporting an old man for president? Too funny

 

too funny....you supported an old man AS president. too funny indeed. or is that ironic.

 

before you come back with the usual trumper bla bla bla. just because someone disagrees with you does not make them a trump fan. 

 

disclaimer. yep still not a trump fan no matter what the hateful 8 may tell you. 

4 minutes ago, stoner said:

 

too funny....you supported an old man AS president. too funny indeed. or is that ironic.

 

before you come back with the usual trumper bla bla bla. just because someone disagrees with you does not make them a trump fan. 

 

disclaimer. yep still not a trump fan no matter what the hateful 8 may tell you. 

The lady doth protest too much me thinks

For someone not pro Trump you sure seem anti the alternative

2 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

If the convicted felon has "nothing to worry about," then why is he up all night long hate-posting on his fake twitter (which is tanking on the market, BTW)?

 

If he isn't worried, then he should be. 

You know.... aLL you guys always quoting about Trumps felony convictions.. Perhaps you do not know what is a white collar crime? Trump is no morderer, thief, or drug dealer. His conviction can still be overturned. But the way you all throw it around makes it seem like he did something really bad.. It does not take much to make a felony in the USA. I would bet my shorts that many foreigners living in Thailand cheat their pensions by having some sort of business or side work which would be considered a felony in the USA. Yet, every day you all throw it around like he did something really bad.

 

Harris's interview was really bad and edited quite a bit.  What really stoked my flame was that she did not say anything about policies that she would like to implement to make things better. Her first act will be to help the middle class, which is by far the least thing she needs to make a priority. What about the lower and poor class? She said nothing and nothing notable. She repeated things about policies Biden made and tried to take credit for them or say she participated in them, which is a lie. She gave no information about a plan to either end the wars or about arms we ship there that are bombing Russia. Which seems pretty important given Putins threats against the west fo retaliation allowing our bombs to be use this way. She said nothing about the economy of jobs or the trade with China. She said absolutely nothing of worth. 

5 hours ago, Roo Island said:

Not the best interview but way better than anything Trump has done.

Agree. Better than Trump has ever done about anything, anywhere, at any time. Trump is a total trainwreck. Always has been. 

45 minutes ago, thesetat2013 said:

You know.... aLL you guys always quoting about Trumps felony convictions.. Perhaps you do not know what is a white collar crime? Trump is no morderer, thief, or drug dealer. His conviction can still be overturned. But the way you all throw it around makes it seem like he did something really bad.. It does not take much to make a felony in the USA. I would bet my shorts that many foreigners living in Thailand cheat their pensions by having some sort of business or side work which would be considered a felony in the USA. Yet, every day you all throw it around like he did something really bad.

 

Harris's interview was really bad and edited quite a bit.  What really stoked my flame was that she did not say anything about policies that she would like to implement to make things better. Her first act will be to help the middle class, which is by far the least thing she needs to make a priority. What about the lower and poor class? She said nothing and nothing notable. She repeated things about policies Biden made and tried to take credit for them or say she participated in them, which is a lie. She gave no information about a plan to either end the wars or about arms we ship there that are bombing Russia. Which seems pretty important given Putins threats against the west fo retaliation allowing our bombs to be use this way. She said nothing about the economy of jobs or the trade with China. She said absolutely nothing of worth. 

And you cultists pour garbage into your heads via Fox, a proven illegitimate source. No sense trying to argue with cultists. If the convicted felon (and a felony is a felony!) dug a hole in one of the graves he recently visited and took a dump in it, you'd find a way to justify it.  Thankfully your ilk is dying out and not being replaced.

17 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

And you cultists pour garbage into your heads via Fox, a proven illegitimate source. No sense trying to argue with cultists. If the convicted felon (and a felony is a felony!) dug a hole in one of the graves he recently visited and took a dump in it, you'd find a way to justify it.  Thankfully your ilk is dying out and not being replaced.

I dont watch any media, left or right. I just listen to trump and harris speak. Anyone else really listening will vote trump as the common sense candidate

It was a good interview and showed a candidate who can maintain a train of thought, was coherent, and has a positive vision, which are important qualities for a president. 

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

It was a good interview and showed a candidate who can maintain a train of thought, was coherent, and has a positive vision, which are important qualities for a president. 

But but but . . . she never brought up sharks, or electrocution, or Hannibal Lector. How could anyone take anyone seriously who didn't bring up these concepts?

 

Oh, yeah, I hear it now.

3 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

It was a good interview and showed a candidate who can maintain a train of thought, was coherent, and has a positive vision, which are important qualities for a president. 

She was unqualified to be a vice president. Did nothing for four years and is what democrats had to settle for and have to convince themselves they made the right choice

14 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Former President Trump called the interview “BORING!!!”

As he was looking at himself in the mirror. 
At least it wasn’t a hateful, belittling, spiteful name calling interview deplete of any semblance of truth and integrity. 
Trump is nothing more than a vindictive bore. A broken record with no cause other than his own. 
The sooner he is banished to political nothingness the better. 

1 hour ago, thesetat2013 said:

You know.... aLL you guys always quoting about Trumps felony convictions.. Perhaps you do not know what is a white collar crime? Trump is no morderer, thief, or drug dealer. His conviction can still be overturned. But the way you all throw it around makes it seem like he did something really bad.. It does not take much to make a felony in the USA. I would bet my shorts that many foreigners living in Thailand cheat their pensions by having some sort of business or side work which would be considered a felony in the USA. Yet, every day you all throw it around like he did something really bad.

 

Harris's interview was really bad and edited quite a bit.  What really stoked my flame was that she did not say anything about policies that she would like to implement to make things better. Her first act will be to help the middle class, which is by far the least thing she needs to make a priority. What about the lower and poor class? She said nothing and nothing notable. She repeated things about policies Biden made and tried to take credit for them or say she participated in them, which is a lie. She gave no information about a plan to either end the wars or about arms we ship there that are bombing Russia. Which seems pretty important given Putins threats against the west fo retaliation allowing our bombs to be use this way. She said nothing about the economy of jobs or the trade with China. She said absolutely nothing of worth. 

She never says anything of substance. Nothing behind the laugh.

Telling us all the things she will do if elected that she hasn't been able to do despite being VP in the current administration.

“Drops bombshells”. Even with journalistic hyperbole, it’s hard to see this. A bit of a non-event really.

2 hours ago, thesetat2013 said:

You know.... aLL you guys always quoting about Trumps felony convictions.. Perhaps you do not know what is a white collar crime? Trump is no morderer, thief, or drug dealer. His conviction can still be overturned. But the way you all throw it around makes it seem like he did something really bad.. It does not take much to make a felony in the USA. I would bet my shorts that many foreigners living in Thailand cheat their pensions by having some sort of business or side work which would be considered a felony in the USA. Yet, every day you all throw it around like he did something really bad.

 

Harris's interview was really bad and edited quite a bit.  What really stoked my flame was that she did not say anything about policies that she would like to implement to make things better. Her first act will be to help the middle class, which is by far the least thing she needs to make a priority. What about the lower and poor class? She said nothing and nothing notable. She repeated things about policies Biden made and tried to take credit for them or say she participated in them, which is a lie. She gave no information about a plan to either end the wars or about arms we ship there that are bombing Russia. Which seems pretty important given Putins threats against the west fo retaliation allowing our bombs to be use this way. She said nothing about the economy of jobs or the trade with China. She said absolutely nothing of worth. 

She could have nailed that first day in office question better - as I said elsewhere mentioning first home buyer grants as a key policy will not likely please  those poor and middle class who wont benefit - which is most.

Good as a get to know interview and she came across sensible, normal, and confident - was important when the alternative is so chaotic and tedious - and she did well. Can you show evidence it was edited beyond cutting into bits - they said it wasn't. Hard to get into specifics of wars. She has clearly supported Ukraine. Her response on Israel and the Palestine issue was non specific but sensible. 

https://www.newsweek.com/kamala-harris-first-interview-ratings-compared-donald-trump-1946932

 

CNN's interview of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has blown away a comparable interview of former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance in the ratings.

40 minutes ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

She could have nailed that first day in office question better - as I said elsewhere mentioning first home buyer grants as a key policy will not likely please  those poor and middle class who wont benefit - which is most.

Good as a get to know interview and she came across sensible, normal, and confident - was important when the alternative is so chaotic and tedious - and she did well. Can you show evidence it was edited beyond cutting into bits - they said it wasn't. Hard to get into specifics of wars. She has clearly supported Ukraine. Her response on Israel and the Palestine issue was non specific but sensible. 

Her response about israel was non specific because dems are pro islam

1 hour ago, maesariang said:

She never says anything of substance. Nothing behind the laugh.

Sort of like you, but nothing behind the words save a silly emoji.  Hundreds of times a day. 

1 minute ago, marin said:

Sort of like you, but nothing behind the words save a silly emoji.  Hundreds of times a day. 

The empty brain is telling. Hundreds times a day is proof.

'drops bombshells' couldn't be move of an overrated title!

7 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Seriously? A MAGA cultist bringing up mental sharpness?

 

And why aren't we all harping on the oldest man EVER running for president NOW?  Hmmm?

your mate is though, right after you said it!!

 

age didn't seem to be an issue when it was Biden, you defended him to the hilt, that soon changed when you totally forgot about him.

What "bombshells"?  The Democrat nominees stayed on script, were neither controversial, nor charismatic. All in all, it is exactly what was needed: Low key, and calm.  

 

The Trump collective are grasping at anything and nothing, because the Democrat nominees gave them nothing.  Yes, candidate Harris changed her political positions on some issues like fracking. What's wrong with doing that, you know, listening to the views of others, of the  voters and  changing to better represent their concerns? The Trump collective is upset because she changed some of her positions. Well, isn't that what a  good representative of the people should do?