Harris Struggles to Defend Policies in CNN Town Hall

Vice President Kamala Harris took a bold stance at a CNN town hall, targeting former President Donald Trump with harsh criticism. Harris’s aggressive tone marks a shift in her approach as the presidential election enters its final days.

Harris directly called Trump a “fascist” when asked about comments made by former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Kelly, a former four-star Marine Corps general, claimed that Trump made admiring statements about Adolf Hitler in the New York Times on Tuesday. Harris likened Kelly’s comments to a “911 call to the American people.”

The Trump campaign responded by labeling Kelly as suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Harris shot back, saying Kelly’s statements were a credible warning about Trump’s behavior.

When questioned about whether Trump is antisemitic, Harris sidestepped the issue, instead focusing on her broader concerns about his presidency. She expressed hope for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and emphasized the need for bipartisan work to address the border crisis.

Harris defended President Joe Biden’s decision not to take executive action on the border until June, despite a historic surge in illegal crossings. She emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and pledged to work across the aisle to address the issue.

Harris’s policy positions have shifted significantly since her 2020 presidential campaign, and she acknowledged this shift as a deliberate effort to build consensus. She described her goal as finding “good ideas” and being willing to compromise, even if it means adjusting her stance on issues like fracking and Medicare for All.

However, Harris struggled to provide specifics on her tax policy, including whether she supports raising taxes for those making over $400,000. She also failed to offer clear guidance on expanding the Supreme Court, stating only that some kind of reform is necessary.

Harris signaled that her administration would not be a continuation of Biden’s, but she struggled to articulate a clear vision for her own presidency. When asked to suggest a major policy initiative, she replied that there are “a lot of work that needs to happen.”

In a revealing moment, Harris acknowledged that her meticulous approach to decision-making might be seen as a weakness. She described herself as a “nerd” who likes to research and study issues before making a decision.

In a more personal moment, Harris revealed that she prays “every day,” crediting her upbringing with instilling a strong faith. She emphasized the importance of living her faith as a verb, rather than just a static belief.