Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has vowed to adopt a stricter stance on migration at the U.S. southern border and affirmed her commitment to maintaining military support for Israel. In her first major interview since clinching the Democratic nomination, Harris outlined her policy priorities and showcased her leadership style in a discussion with CNN’s Dana Bash.
Harris emphasised her intention to pursue comprehensive border reform, tightening regulations to curb illegal migration into the United States.
“We have laws that must be enforced,” she stated, stressing her commitment to holding individuals accountable for unlawful border crossings.
This approach signals a departure from the more lenient policies advocated by some within the Democratic Party and aligns Harris more closely with public sentiment calling for stricter border control.
In addition to her stance on migration, Harris reiterated her strong support for Israel, dismissing suggestions from some Democratic factions to reconsider U.S. military aid due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“No, we have to get a ceasefire and hostage deal done,” Harris responded when asked if she would withhold weapons from Israel. She advocated for a balanced approach, stressing the importance of a strong Israel while also calling for diplomatic efforts to secure peace.
Harris’s comments drew criticism from activists and some members of her party who advocate for a more critical stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, expressed disappointment with Harris’s stance, urging her to support an immediate halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, according to Reuters. Despite these criticisms, Harris’s positions aim to appeal to moderate voters and maintain the traditional pro-Israel stance that has characterised U.S. foreign policy for decades.
In a notable shift towards bipartisanship, Harris indicated that she would consider including a Republican in her cabinet if elected.
“It’s important to have people at the table with different views and experiences,” Harris said, suggesting that such diversity would benefit her administration’s decision-making process and help bridge the partisan divide.
Building Momentum Ahead of Election Day
Since becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris has gained momentum, both in the polls and in campaign fundraising.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows her leading former President Donald Trump by a margin of 45 per cent to 41 per cent. Harris’s campaign has been marked by a series of assertive speeches and a strong social media presence, aimed at energising the Democratic base and attracting undecided voters.
Addressing one of the central issues of the campaign, Harris defended her administration’s handling of inflation. She argued that the Biden administration inherited a struggling economy from Trump, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Prices are still too high, but significant progress has been made,” Harris noted, suggesting that her administration would continue to prioritise economic recovery.
Harris’s recent positions mark a shift towards the centre compared to her earlier stances during the 2020 Democratic primary, where she supported more progressive policies, including a fracking ban. Her current stance reflects a strategic move to win over voters in key swing states, like Pennsylvania, where energy jobs are a critical issue.
When questioned about these policy adjustments, Harris maintained, “My values have not changed,” emphasising her pragmatic approach to governance.
