Harris promises tougher approach to migration and supports arms for Israel

2024-08-30 08:42:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Harris promises tougher approach to migration and supports arms for Israel

Kamala Harris

US Vice President Kamala Harris pledged a tougher approach to migration along the southern US border and said she would not freeze arms to Israel.

Harris made the comments to CNN in her first interview with a major news organization since becoming the Democratic nominee for president.

With the presidential election just over two months away, Harris tried to give Americans a sense of where she stands.

She said she would step up efforts for comprehensive border legislation that would tighten immigration into the United States, and vowed to "enforce the laws" against border crossings.

"We have laws that must be followed and enforced that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally and that must have consequences," Harris said.

She also said she stands behind President Joe Biden's support for Israel and rejected calls from some in the Democratic Party that Washington should reconsider sending weapons to Israel, due to the high number of Palestinian casualties in Gaza.

She said she supports a strong Israel, but added that "we have to reach an agreement" to make a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

"No, we have to reach an agreement [on the ceasefire and hostages]," Harris said when asked if she would freeze arms to Israel.

She has been President Biden's deputy since the start of his administration in January 2021.

Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Non-Aligned National Movement, which has protested against Biden's policies, expressed disappointment with Harris' response on Gaza.

"If the vice president is interested in a ceasefire, she should support an immediate halt to arms shipments [to Israel]," Alawieh said.

Harris, who was interviewed along with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, also said she would like to add a Republican to her cabinet if she wins the presidential election.

"I think it is important that when some more important decisions are made, we have people at the table who have different views, different experiences. I think it is in the best interest of the American public to have a member in my cabinet who is a Republican," said Harris.

Since becoming the Democratic nominee for president last month, Harris has surged in the polls, raised hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign donations and delivered a series of powerful speeches at rallies with supporters.

Harris defended the way she and Biden have handled inflation, saying they inherited an economy devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said that a lot of work has been done to reduce prices, but that "prices are still very high".

She also spoke about her efforts to address climate change and her support for the Green New Deal - a Democratic Party proposal to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

"We've set targets for the United States — and the globe — for when we have to meet certain standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Harris said.

Harris has faced criticism from Republicans and some pundits for not holding any press conferences or extensive interviews until now. According to critics, she has avoided being challenged about her past.

She entered the race for president after Biden withdrew from it.

In the November 5 election, she will face the Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump.

Trump described the Harris interview as "boring"./ REL