Dana Bash characterized the event on CNN at 9 p.m. Thursday as “a watershed moment” and “a defining moment.” The significance lies in Kamala Harris's interview, marking a notable occasion in the 2024 campaign where the Democratic presidential nominee engaged directly with the press. Previously, those interested in Harris's perspectives had to depend largely on unnamed aides who often clarified her stances on various issues. This interview was crucial as it provided an unmediated glimpse into her thoughts, devoid of teleprompters or notes.
Harris remains a somewhat enigmatic figure; despite securing the Democratic nomination over a month ago, her specific presidential ambitions and vision for the country remain largely unclear. A lengthy campaign typically allows voters to gain insight into candidates, but Harris has not followed this trend. David Axelrod once remarked that presidential campaigns serve as an “MRI for the soul,” yet Harris appears to have missed this critical examination. As the first nominee in modern history not to have won a primary, she has only delivered one significant policy address, which received mixed feedback, and a Harris aide later reassured the New York Times that the proposed plan was unlikely to be enacted.
Astead Herndon from the New York Times recently expressed his perspective on an individual who appears to resist being fully understood, both in her personal and political life. He suggested that this person, likely referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, exhibits a reluctance to allow others to assume they have her figured out. This sentiment was evident during her interaction with journalist Dana Bash, where Harris seemed more focused on avoiding mispronouncing Bash's name than on delivering a clear and concise message. Despite having prepared for forty days, her responses indicated a struggle to articulate her thoughts effectively.
When posed with the question of whether she would consider inviting a Republican to her cabinet, Harris's reaction suggested that she had not previously contemplated such a possibility. Her demeanor, characterized by downward glances and a contemplative pause, culminated in a hesitant affirmation of "sure, why not." This response is particularly noteworthy given the historical context, as the last Republican to serve in a Democratic cabinet was Chuck Hagel under President Obama, a tenure that was fraught with challenges. Furthermore, while Harris asserted that her values remained consistent, the distinction between her support for the Green New Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act raises questions about the coherence of her principles. The former, championed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, seeks a comprehensive transformation of the U.S. economy, while the latter is primarily a substantial spending initiative focused on energy and healthcare subsidies. Harris's failure to clarify the connection between these two legislative efforts may suggest either a lack of clarity in her own beliefs or a deliberate choice to avoid the complexities involved.
Bash posed several insightful questions during the interview, yet she seldom pursued deeper discussions. One notable instance was when she brought up Harris's stance on fracking, specifically referencing Harris's calls to prohibit the practice. However, when Harris firmly stated, “As president I will not ban fracking,” Bash swiftly transitioned to the next topic without further inquiry. The conversation then shifted to immigration, where Bash inquired about Harris's previous desire to decriminalize border crossings. Harris responded by asserting, “I would enforce our laws as president going forward,” which seemed to provide a sense of relief, yet it did not invite any follow-up questions that could have explored the implications of her stance.
Throughout the interview, Harris appeared somewhat detached and reserved, adhering closely to her prepared talking points. The segments of the interview concluded with a softer tone, focusing on personal reflections, such as Harris's emotions regarding a photograph of her grandniece watching her accept the Democratic nomination, and the reaction of Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota and her vice presidential nominee, to his son's excitement about his father's selection. When Bash turned her attention to Walz, seeking clarification on his misrepresentation of his National Guard service, his family's fertility treatments, and his DUI, he too relied on scripted responses, expressing emotions without providing direct answers. Bash had the opportunity to delve deeper into these issues, but she chose not to, marking this as a significant missed chance in the interview. Ultimately, if this moment was intended to be a pivotal one for Kamala Harris, it seems to have fallen short of effectively defining her character.
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