A Democratic strategist gave Kamala Harris a tepid thumbs up for her first sit-down interview as presidential nominee and said that while she accomplished what she "needed to do," she didn't "move the ball all that much forward."
During a roughly 40-minute interview with CNN anchor Dana Bash, Harris revealed her "day one" priorities, slapped away her opponent's questioning of her racial identity and addressed her change in stances on certain major issues.
David Axelrod told panelists on CNN's "NewsNight" following the debate that Harris needed to be the "same person" people have seen on stage for the last month. Someone with a sense of calm, confidence and comfortability "that we haven't seen before from her," particularly the last time she ran.
"She was very connected to her words," said Axelrod. "Seemed strong. She seemed competent. She seemed like someone who could be president of the United States. That was the first test."
Axelrod also praised Harris' handling of Harris' evolving positions on certain key issues, such as fracking, while noting she made a "good bridge" in saying she's kept her values consistent.
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He noted that Harris appeared to distance herself from President Joe Biden a bit, as she talked about "turning the page."
As she spoke, I thought it showed a certain character, the way she talked about Joe Biden," he said. "She didn't run away from him. She gave him I think his due. She understands there's some political risk to that. That actually was elevating to me in a way that i hadn't expected."
Overall, while it wasn't a "huge night," Axelrod said it was a "good night."
I don't think she moved the ball that much forward, but she certainly didn't fall back," he concluded.
Watch the clip below or at this link.
