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Kamala Harris interview live updates: Democratic presidential nominee and Governor Tim Walz sit down with CNN

Max CorstorphanThe Nightly
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Kamala Harris in her first major TV interview as Democratic nominee on CNN.
Camera IconKamala Harris in her first major TV interview as Democratic nominee on CNN. Credit: CNN

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, and Governor Tim Walz have sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash for their first of the campaign.

Harris said she would put a Republican in her Cabinet if elected, revealed how President Joe Biden told her he would not seek re-election, delivered her plans for the economy and dismissed Trump’s comments about race.

Harris also confirmed she has never met former President Donald Trump, with the pair set to meet for the first time at an upcoming debate.

The interview mainly focused on Harris, with Walz staying quiet other than when asked to clarify false comments he has about carrying weapons of war and if he actually used IVF to conceive.

It was the first interview Harris took part in since Biden announced he would not seek re-election.

Scroll down to recap the biggest moments of the first interview.

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How did Harris do?

For such a highly anticipated interview, Harris and Walz’s performance could be described as safe.

Harris was wary of delivering criticism of President Biden, despite saying America is ready to turn a new page.

Harris came across as accountable for issues the US has and continues to face, especially over the economy.

Harris clarified she would not ban fracking, even though she previously said she would, saying her values have not changed and she shared her updated stance in 2020.

Walz avoided directly addressing his comments over carrying weapons of war and IVF, instead insisting people “knew his record”.

Harris made clear she was not interested in getting into schoolyard talk over comments made by Trump, a technique that will appeal valiant to some and avoidant to others.

How that technique will stand up when Harris goes head-to-head against Trump in their first debate on September 9 will be a significant test.

Comment below to give your opinion on Harris’ first interview of her presidential campaign.

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Bash wraps interview with Trump-Vance campaign invitation

CNN host Dana Bash has wrapped the interview, mentioning it was the first, unscripted interview for the Democratic nominee.

Bash said Trump and Vance had been given the opportunity to do an interview too.

“We hope to bring you that interview,” Bash said, indicating the Republicans had not yet accepted the opportunity.

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Harris has addressed a viral photo of her grandniece

Harris was asked about the now-viral photo of one of her young nieces watching on as she accepted the Democratic nomination for the presidency.

“She had a lot to say about it afterwards,” Harris said.

Although Harris is proud to be creating that historical moment for her family to see, she said: “I’m doing this for all Americans regardless of race or gender.”

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Walz is far from Mr Nice Guy

Bash moved on to Walz and his “nice guy” image.

She brought up a “standout moment” from the Democratic National Convention.

“Your son Gus, the camera caught him so emotional, saying ‘That’s my dad’,” Bash said.

“I’m proud of him, I’m proud of hope, I’m proud of Wen,” Walz said.

“I hope parents saw that and hugged their kids a little tighter.”

Walz said he didn’t know how important it was to him to hear his son be so proud of him.

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Harris screws up host’s name

Harris suffered an early stumble when she didn’t say the host’s name correctly.

Dana Bash’s first name is pronounced Day-nah.

Instead, Harris pronounced it Dah-nah.

The vice president was quick to recover and correct herself.

It was an uncomfortable slip-up, one that CNN chose to include.

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Harris reveals how she found out Biden would not seek re-election

“It was a Sunday,” Harris said.

“My family was staying with us, including my baby nieces.

“We had just had pancakes.

“We were sitting down to do a puzzle.

“The phone rang and it was Joe Biden.

“He told me what he had decided to do.

“I asked him if he was sure and he said ‘yes’.

Harris didn’t directly ask if he endorsed Harris for president or if she had to ask him.

“He was very clear he was going to support me,” she said.

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Harris addresses Biden’s painful CNN debate

Harris said Biden was incredibly strong after Biden’s dismal debate on CNN against Trump.

Asked if she had regrets over those comments, Harris said: “Not at all.”

“I am so proud to have served as vice president with Joe Biden.”

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Walz given opportunity to clarify IVF comments

Running mate Tim Walz has come under fire for saying he and his wife used IVF to conceive.

However, it has since emerged that he and his wife went through IUI.

“People know who I am,” Walz said.

“I won’t apologise for speaking passionately.”

Walz talked around his comments and insisted Americans weren’t interested in picking apart if it was IVF or IUI.

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination and involves placing sperm close to the fallopian tubes.

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Did Walz carry weapons in war

Walz has said he carried weapons in war. However, his team have since clarified he misspoke.

Asked if he misspoke, Walz said: ‘My grammar is not always correct.”

“People know my record.”

Walz explained the comments were made after a school shooting and he meant to reference weapons of war.

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Trump and Harris have never met

Harris has never met Trump face-to-face.

They will soon meet for the first time for the debate.

Harris was asked how she felt about Trump’s comments that she only ‘recently’ became Black.

“Same old boring playbook,” Harris said.

“Next question,” she said showing she had no interest in discussing Trump’s tactics.

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