The phone rang on a Sunday, right after a pancake and bacon breakfast with the family. The US Vice President was about to do a puzzle with his sister's grandchildren, she explains in the interview with CNN.
It was Joe Biden, who announced that he was dropping out as the Democratic presidential candidate ahead of the autumn election.
I asked "are you sure?", he replied yes. He was very clear that he would support me, says Kamala Harris and praises Biden's efforts in the presidential post.
The US is ready to turn the page from Donald Trump and move forward on a new path, she says.
Changed opinions
In the interview, Harris is pressed on two issues where she has changed her opinion: the oil extraction method fracking, which she previously opposed but now says she will not ban, and illegal immigration across the border from Mexico, where she now promises tougher measures.
Harris says that her time as Vice President has contributed to new perspectives on many difficult issues – but emphasizes that her fundamental values are the same.
I believe that the most important and most significant aspect of my political perspective and my decisions is that my values have not changed, she says.
Regarding the war between Israel and Hamas, Kamala Harris calls for a ceasefire and says that she will not make any changes to the policy that Joe Biden has pursued towards Israel, including arms deliveries.
I am unwavering in my support for Israel's right to defend itself, that will not change. But we must get a ceasefire, she says.
Republican in the government
The attention has been great ahead of the interview, which Harris does together with her vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Republicans with Donald Trump at the forefront have directed harsh criticism at Harris for not holding any interviews since Joe Biden's withdrawal.
On the question of what Kamala Harris would do on her first day in the White House, she briefly responds that she would "strengthen the middle class", but without elaborating how.
She also says that it would benefit the American people if she brings in a Republican into the government if she is elected.
Throughout my entire career, I have encouraged diverse opinions.
