Hello everyone. Let’s talk about what can only be described as a well-orchestrated performance by Vice President Kamala Harris during her recent debut on CNN as the newly selected Democratic nominee. Alongside her was Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her VP running mate, who’s been dubbed the “White Man Taco” by some online commentators—a reference to the perceived tokenism in the Democratic ticket.
Now, some folks on social media called this a “softball interview,” but that’s really underselling it. This wasn’t just a light touch; it was more like a full-on spa treatment. Dana Bash, the CNN correspondent conducting the interview, seemed more interested in soothing than scrutinizing. In fact, if Bash ever decides to leave journalism, she might have a bright future in the relaxation business because this interview was nothing short of a massage.
The interview, clocking in at just 16 minutes of actual content, was spliced and padded to stretch out to nearly 48 minutes of airtime. And even in that limited window, there was plenty of room for some good old-fashioned dodging and gaslighting.
One of the standout moments? Harris’ sudden shift in her stance on fracking. This is a crucial issue, especially in Pennsylvania—a key battleground state with 19 Electoral College votes that could very well decide the outcome of the upcoming election. Harris, once a vocal opponent of fracking, suddenly sang a different tune.
When asked directly if she still wanted to ban fracking, Harris responded with a haughty “No.” She claimed she had made this clear during the 2020 debates and emphasized that neither as Vice President nor as President would she ban fracking. But wait—didn’t she once proudly declare her support for banning fracking?
Indeed, back in 2020, during a CNN Townhall, Harris was quite clear about her position, boasting that she was “in favor of banning fracking.” Fast forward to 2024, and that position has, in her words, become more “nuanced.” When Bash pressed her on why she changed her position, Harris offered one of her trademark word salads. She insisted that her values hadn’t changed, repeatedly saying, “My values have not changed.”
Harris tried to justify her flip-flop by suggesting that new evidence shows fracking doesn’t have the environmental impact that was once thought. But let’s be honest, the real tell here is that Harris is trying to thread a very fine needle. She needs to reassure Pennsylvanian voters that she’s not coming for their jobs while also keeping her environmentalist base happy.
It’s a tricky balancing act, and Harris seems to think she can pull it off by simply insisting that her values haven’t changed, even if her stance has. But the question remains: Once she’s secured the presidency, will she revert to her original position and double down on aggressive climate policies? Many believe that’s exactly what will happen.
CNN REPORTER: You said you supported banning fracking. Did it change?
Kamala: In 2020, I made clear where I stand. We are in 2024. I kept my word.
REPORTER: Why did you change your position?
Kamala: Let’s be clear. My values have not changed. pic.twitter.com/uHxixMwe1Z
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 30, 2024
What we saw on CNN wasn’t just an interview; it was the latest episode in the ongoing Kamala Harris rebranding show, complete with smoke, mirrors, and a little bit of magic. But the real magic trick? Getting voters to believe that nothing has changed when, in fact, everything has.
