Kamala Harris pitches continuity in China-lite first interview since nomination

Long-awaited questioning of the Democratic presidential candidate and her running mate Tim Walz offers little on foreign policy

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and US Vice-President Kamala Harris are interviewed by CNN’s Dana Bash on Thursday in Savannah, Georgia. Photo: CNN

Published: 12:10pm, 30 Aug 2024Updated: 2:52pm, 30 Aug 2024

US Vice-President Kamala Harris sent a message of continuity on Thursday as she touted the Biden administration’s investment in alliances and domestic industries in her first, unscripted interview since being nominated as the Democratic Party’s standard bearer.

“What we have done to improve the supply chain so we’re not relying on foreign governments to supply American families with their basic needs – I’ll say that’s good work,” said Harris, 59, in response to a question about her “opportunity economy” plan for the middle class.

The joint interview with running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was conducted by CNN’s chief political correspondent Dana Bash in a restaurant in Savannah, Georgia.

Harris, who was vaulted into position about five weeks ago when US President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her as the party’s nominee, spoke for most of the interview.

The interview was thin on foreign policy.

Asked whether she would be different from Biden on Israel, Harris said she was “unequivocal and unwavering” in her support for its defence, but also noted that “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed”.