SAVANNAH, United States — Kamala Harris stated Thursday that Americans are ready to move on from Donald Trump as she sought to appeal to centrist voters in her first interview since entering the presidential race for the upcoming November election.
The 59-year-old Democrat told CNN that she would take a tough stance on illegal immigration and support the contentious practice of oil and gas fracking, while also committing to her liberal roots by advocating for a more equitable economy.
"I am the best person to do this job," Harris asserted during a joint interview with her running mate, Tim Walz, while campaigning in the battleground state of Georgia.
As the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, Harris criticized Trump, describing him as "diminishing the character and strength of who we are as Americans, really dividing our nation."
"I think people are ready to turn the page on that," she added. "People are ready for a new way forward."
Harris also mentioned that she would appoint a Republican to her cabinet if elected, signaling an effort to appeal to moderate voters.
Trump dismissed the interview as "BORING!!!" in a social media post.
The former Republican president labeled Harris the "greatest flip-flopper" while addressing a rally in Michigan, mocking her appearance during the interview.
"She didn't look like a leader to me," he remarked.
In response to criticisms of her changing positions on sensitive issues like fracking and illegal immigration, Harris emphasized her consistency.
"As president, I will not ban fracking," she stated, clearly addressing the controversy in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state.
Regarding immigration, a key issue in Trump's platform, Harris pledged to sign tough legislation if elected.
Her remarks seemed aimed at centrist voters concerned about immigration and fuel costs, but she reassured her left-leaning base that her core values remained intact.
"My values have not changed," Harris insisted.
**'Where has she been?'**
On the topic of Gaza, Harris called for a ceasefire but affirmed she would maintain President Joe Biden's policies toward Israel, including military aid.
"No, we have to get a deal done," she said, expressing her unwavering support for Israel while acknowledging the tragic loss of innocent Palestinian lives.
For the first time, Harris recounted how she was cooking with her family when Biden called her on July 21 to announce he was ending his White House campaign.
"He told me what he had decided to do. And I asked him, 'Are you sure?' And he said, 'Yes,'" she recalled.
Republicans had criticized Harris for her lack of public appearances since Biden's abrupt withdrawal, following growing concerns about his health and age at 81.
Harris has experienced a surge in polling and fundraising since then, though she has faced scrutiny for keeping many of her policy positions vague as she rapidly builds her campaign.
She has been cautious with the media since a poorly received interview on immigration in 2021, but her appearance on CNN was measured and composed.
Harris conducted the interview during a campaign bus tour of Georgia, one of the seven key battleground states in the November 5 election.
Several polls released Thursday showed Harris leading Trump, albeit narrowly, with increasing support in swing states.
Trump has also ramped up his campaign efforts, after initially struggling to gain momentum against the younger, female candidate.
At a rally in Potterville, Michigan, Trump targeted Harris's shifting stance on immigration, questioning, "Where has she been for three and a half years?"
Harris and Trump are set to face off in their crucial first debate on September 10 in Philadelphia.
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