Vice President Kamala Harris on ‘Face the Nation’: Key Takeaways from Norah O’Donnell Interview

Vice President Kamala Harris on “Face the Nation”

In an exclusive interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Vice President Kamala Harris discussed various topics, ranging from infrastructure and immigration to COVID-19 and foreign policy. Here are some key takeaways:

Infrastructure:

Harris emphasized the Biden administration’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, stating that “it’s not just about roads and bridges, it’s about people.” She reiterated that this investment will create jobs and improve the lives of communities across America.

Immigration:

Discussing immigration, Harris expressed her belief that the U.S. should “treat people with dignity and respect at every step of the way.” She also acknowledged the importance of addressing root causes of migration, such as violence and poverty in Central America.

COVID-19:

Harris emphasized the urgency of getting more people vaccinated and encouraged those who are hesitant to get their shots. She stated that “we’re going to keep pushing out information, but it has to come from trusted voices in communities.”

Foreign Policy:

Harris touched upon foreign policy, mentioning the importance of diplomacy and alliances. She expressed her commitment to working with allies while standing up for American interests, stating that “we want to be a part of the international community.”

Other Topics:

During the interview, Harris also addressed topics such as climate change and gun control. She expressed her support for bold action on both issues but did not provide specific details.

I. Introduction

Brief background of Vice President Kamala Harris

Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. She is the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American to hold the office of Vice President of the United States. Harris previously served as a senator from California (2017–2021) and as the Attorney General of California (2011–2017). She rose to prominence as a progressive prosecutor, advocating for criminal justice reform and civil liberties.

Importance of the interview on “Face the Nation

As a key member of the Biden administration, Vice President Harris’s views and priorities are closely watched by Americans. The interview on “Face the Nation,” which is one of the longest-running political television programs in the US, provided an opportunity for her to discuss pressing issues and answer questions from moderator Margaret Brennan.

Overview of topics discussed during the interview

During the interview on March 7, 2021, Harris touched upon several critical subjects:

COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts

Harris discussed the administration’s strategies to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including plans for increasing vaccinations, reopening schools, and providing economic relief.

Immigration policy

Harris addressed the administration’s stance on immigration reform, including a potential pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and addressing the crisis at the southern border.

Infrastructure

The Vice President spoke about the administration’s proposed $2 trillion infrastructure plan, focusing on roads, bridges, public transportation, broadband internet access, and climate change initiatives.

Foreign policy

Harris provided insights into the administration’s foreign policy priorities, including re-engaging with international organizations, addressing challenges from China and Russia, and focusing on diplomacy.

The Interview:

Infrastructure and the American Jobs Plan

The American Jobs Plan, proposed by President Biden, is a ambitious legislative proposal aimed at modernizing the nation’s infrastructure and creating jobs. The plan includes a number of key components, such as investments in roads, bridges, broadband internet, public transportation, water systems, schools, and housing. Vice President Harris, during an interview, expressed her strong support for the plan and emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to pass it. She acknowledged that compromise is necessary to ensure the bill’s success and expressed optimism about working with both parties to address the country’s infrastructure needs. The American Jobs Plan is expected to have a significant impact on economic recovery, as it includes provisions for job training and education programs that will help put Americans back to work.

Immigration Reform

The ongoing efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform have been a contentious issue in Washington for several years. During the interview, Vice President Harris reiterated her commitment to finding a solution that addresses both border security and the humanitarian crisis at the border. She acknowledged the need for a bipartisan approach and expressed her perspective that “we have to deal with this in a comprehensive way, which includes addressing the root causes of migration, dealing with the backlog of cases at our ports of entry, and providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and others who are already here.” She also addressed the issue of family separation, stating that “we have to make sure that we are treating children humanely and with dignity, and that families are kept together as much as possible.”

Climate Change and Energy Policy

The Biden-Harris administration has made clear its commitment to addressing climate change and promoting clean energy initiatives. During the interview, Vice President Harris discussed the importance of investing in renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. She highlighted the administration’s plan to rejoin the Paris Agreement and invest $2 trillion in clean energy over the next decade. Harris also mentioned key legislation related to this issue, such as the American Jobs Plan, which includes provisions for upgrading the electrical grid and building a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.

COVID-19 Response and Vaccine Distribution

During the interview, Vice President Harris provided updates on the administration’s progress in distributing COVID-19 vaccines and discussed the role of the federal government in supporting states’ efforts. She stated that “we are on track to have enough doses for every adult in America by the end of May,” and expressed her optimism about reaching herd immunity by the fall. Harris acknowledged the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, stating that “we have to make sure that people have accurate information about the vaccines, and we have to address the concerns and questions that they have.”

I The Interview:

Foreign Policy Discussions

U.S.-China Relations

“The current state of U.S.-China relations is at a critical juncture,”
said Vice President Kamala Harris in an exclusive interview with The Washington Post.
“China’s economic and military power poses significant challenges,”
she continued, expressing concerns over Beijing’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region and its human rights abuses against the Uyghur minority.

Harris’ thoughts on the current state of U.S.-China relations

Harris acknowledged the importance of maintaining a strong and constructive relationship with China, but emphasized that transparency and mutual respect are key components. She called for dialogue on issues of contention, such as trade practices, cybersecurity, and territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Strategies for dealing with China’s economic and military power

The Vice President underlined the need for diplomatic engagement, economic competition, and military preparedness. She advocated for strengthening alliances with key partners in the region, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India. Harris also highlighted the importance of working with like-minded countries to set common standards for trade and investment practices.

Middle East Policy

Updates on diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, including Israel-Palestine peace talks and Iran nuclear negotiations

Harris provided updates on the administration’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. She expressed optimism about the ongoing Israel-Palestine peace talks, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace and security. Regarding Iran, she reiterated the administration’s commitment to diplomacy but emphasized that all options are on the table if Iran fails to comply with its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Afghanistan and Taliban Takeover

The administration’s response to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan

Harris discussed the administration’s response to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. She underscored the need for an immediate humanitarian response and emphasized that the United States would continue to support Afghan people. Harris expressed her deep concern about the Taliban’s past actions, including human rights abuses and support for terrorism.

Harris’ stance on U.S. military presence and ongoing humanitarian efforts

The Vice President acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a military presence in Afghanistan while ensuring the safety and security of U.S. personnel. She emphasized that the United States remains committed to helping the Afghan people through ongoing humanitarian efforts, particularly in areas such as education and women’s rights.

Climate Change and International Cooperation

The importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change

Harris stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and reiterated the administration’s commitment to global cooperation. She called for bold action at home and abroad, including the rapid transition to renewable energy, investing in green industries, and supporting countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Progress on international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement

The Vice President highlighted the progress made under the Paris Agreement and emphasized that the United States is committed to rejoining the accord. She expressed optimism about the potential for international cooperation on climate change, but acknowledged that more must be done to ensure that all countries are committed to meeting their emissions reduction targets.

Conclusion

Summary of the key takeaways from the interview: Kamala Harris, during her 60 Minutes interview with Lesley Stahl, addressed various topics including her role as Vice President, her priorities for the Biden-Harris administration, and her personal background. She emphasized the importance of unity, equality, and addressing the crisis at the border. Harris also spoke about her experiences growing up as a woman of color and her plans to break down barriers for marginalized communities. Key takeaways include her commitment to bipartisanship, her focus on climate change and economic recovery, and her dedication to issues concerning women’s rights and racial justice.

Reflection on Harris’ demeanor, messaging, and effectiveness during the interview:

Harris presented herself as a strong, determined leader with a clear vision for the future. Her demeanor was calm and collected throughout the interview, effectively communicating her messages while demonstrating a deep understanding of complex policy issues. Her responses were thoughtful and well-articulated, addressing both the positives and negatives of her role as Vice President. Harris’ messaging was inclusive and focused on unity, emphasizing her commitment to working with Republicans and creating opportunities for bipartisan collaboration.

Implications for upcoming policy initiatives and potential challenges for the Biden-Harris administration:

The Biden-Harris administration’s upcoming policy initiatives will likely revolve around climate change, economic recovery, and issues concerning racial justice. Harris’ statements during the interview suggest a dedication to addressing these issues through bipartisan efforts and cooperation with other countries on the global stage. However, challenges remain, including opposition from Republicans, potential legislative gridlock, and public skepticism towards the effectiveness of the government’s actions. Harris will play a crucial role in navigating these challenges and implementing policy changes that benefit all Americans, regardless of political affiliations or demographic backgrounds.