1 month ago
The Democratic candidate for the US presidential election, Kamala Harris, on Thursday (US time) said that she might name a Republican to her cabinet if elected, in her first interview since being nominated for the November election. She emphasised "diversity" and serving as President for “all Americans,” but said she did not have a particular name in mind.
“But I would, I think. 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. And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my Cabinet who was a Republican," Vice President Harris told CNN’s Dana Bash.
She stressed, “I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion”.
US presidents have previously appointed members of the opposite party to their Cabinet. However, no such move has been made during the tenure of Joe Biden or former president Donald Trump in the past eight years.
Harris, in her interview, explained her stance on several policy matters and insisted that her “values have not changed,” even as she is “seeking consensus”.
When specifically asked about reversals of fracking and decriminalising illegal border crossings, she said, “I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed".
“I believe it is important to build consensus. It is important to find a common place of understanding where we can actually solve the problem," Harris said.
Said further said, if elected, her administration would renew a push for comprehensive border legislation that would tighten migration into the United States. "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 consequences," she said.
On Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, Harris said, “I am unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself.” But the vice president also reiterated what she’s said for months, that civilian deaths are too high amid the fighting.
She also brushed off Republican Donald Trump’s questioning of her racial identity after he said she “happened to turn Black.” Harris, who is of Black and South Asian heritage, said it was the “same old, tired playbook.”
Harris, who was nominated as the Democratic candidate for the presidential race after Joe Biden opted out, is set to debate with rival Donald Trump on September 10.
Published On:
Aug 30, 2024
Tune In
