CNN Fact Checks Kamala Harris’s Shifting Position On Fracking

CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale recently scrutinized Vice President Kamala Harris' statement that she had made it “clear” back in 2020 that she would “not ban fracking as vice president.”

During her first interview since becoming the Democratic nominee, CNN host Dana Bash questioned Harris about her evolving stance on fracking. The issue arose due to her previous strong support for a ban, as expressed during the Green New Deal in 2019 when she served in Congress.

Bash reminded Harris of her 2019 statement, saying: “In 2019 you said, quote: ‘There is no question. I’m in favor of banning fracking.’ Fracking is a significant issue, especially in Pennsylvania, which is crucial for your campaign. Do you still support banning fracking?”

Harris responded: “No. I made it clear on the debate stage in 2020 that I would not ban fracking as vice president, and I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking.”

Bash pressed further, referencing another moment from 2019: “At a town hall, you were asked whether you’d implement a federal fracking ban on your first day in office. You said: ‘There’s no question. I’m in favor of banning fracking, so yes.’”

Harris reiterated that her stance had “changed in that campaign in 2020” and that she had “made that very clear,” maintaining her support for fracking in 2024.

However, after the interview, Dale spoke with CNN host Abby Phillip to clarify that Harris' claim was inaccurate.

Dale stated: “The bottom line is that she did not actually make it clear during a 2020 debate that she had shifted from supporting a fracking ban. Let’s review the timeline. At a CNN climate town hall in 2019, she said she was ‘in favor of banning fracking.’”

Dale then pointed out that Harris suspended her 2020 presidential run in December 2019 and only participated in the vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence. After reviewing the transcript, Dale explained, “Nowhere in that debate does she clarify that she had abandoned her previous support for a fracking ban. Instead, she reiterated that Joe Biden would not ban fracking.”

Dale further noted: “It’s clear she was speaking on behalf of Biden during that debate. Policy is set by the president, not the vice president, but nowhere does she explicitly indicate she had reversed her personal position from 2019.”

This fact-check follows new polls showing Harris' post-surge momentum from President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election is beginning to wane.

A recent Napolitan Institute poll shows Trump leading Harris in a tight race. The report found: “In the race for the White House, Donald Trump leads Kamala Harris 46% to 45%. Including leaners, Trump’s lead grows to 49% to 47%.” Just a week prior, the candidates were tied at 49% among Likely Voters.