Kamala Harris has disclosed in her first sit-down interview since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, one of her “highest priorities,” saying that she would start implementing, on her first day in office, several proposals to “support and strengthen the middle class.”
This, she said, will be done through policies including increasing the child tax credit, curtailing price gouging on everyday goods and increasing access to affordable housing
After a broad claim about focusing on the middle class, Harris made a larger point about moving on from Donald Trump.
“I think sadly in the last decade, we have had in the former president someone who has really been pushing an agenda and an environment that is about diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans, really dividing our nation. And I think people are ready to turn the page on that.”
Kamala Harris
Also, Harris defended President Joe Biden, saying that she had no regrets about supporting his re-election before his decision to leave the race, despite concerns over his age and acuity.
She said that serving as Biden’s Vice President has been “one of the greatest honors” of her career.
She stressed that Biden has the “intelligence, commitment, judgement and disposition that the American people deserve in their President,” adding that the former President, Donald Trump, “has none of that.”
She also touted the Biden administration’s work to restore the economy after the pandemic, pointing to capped insulin costs, the current inflation rate of under 3% and increases in US manufacturing jobs.
“I’ll say that that’s good work. There’s more to do, but that’s good work,” Harris stated.
Additionally, Harris shared how Biden shared with her his decision not to continue running for re-election, a first public retelling of that moment.
She said that she was making breakfast with her family, including her nieces, and was just sitting down to do a puzzle when the phone rang.
“I asked him, are you sure? And he said yes. And that’s how I learned about it,” she stated.
As far as whether she asked for his endorsement or he offered it, she noted, “He was very clear that he was going to support me.”
“My first thought was not about me, to be honest with you, my first thought was about him,” she said.
Harris stressed that she believes history will show Biden’s presidency was “transformative” and view his decision to withdraw from the race as one that is reflective of his character.
She described the U.S President as someone who is “quite selfless and puts the American people first.”
Moreso, Harris dismissed Donald Trump’s previous comments about her identity.
“Same old tired playbook. Next question, please,” Harris said.
Haris Likely To Appoint Republican In Her Cabinet
Moreover, Harris noted in the interview that she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if she’s elected.
Nonetheless, she wasn’t ready to name any specific names, or roles they might play.
“No one in particular. We have 68 days to go in this election, so I’m not putting the cart before the horse. But I would,” she said.
There is recent precedent for Cabinet selections that cross party lines.
Former President Barack Obama appointed several Republicans to high-ranking positions — including former Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood as transportation secretary and former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel as defense secretary.
For Harris, the pool of Republicans who vocally oppose Trump could be a pool of prospects. Several of them spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last week.
“I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion,” Harris said.
“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.”
Kamala Harris
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