Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on Sunday called Vice President Kamala Harris' decision to moderate her views on fracking and Medicare for All pragmatic, saying that Harris is doing what she thinks is right in order to win the election and that he still considers her to be progressive. Sanders added that Harris has a path to victory by campaigning on other progressive positions, such as raising the minimum wage, increasing taxes on the wealthy, and boosting Social Security benefits. Sanders believes that Harris's focus on these issues could lead her to win big.

In recent weeks, Harris has adjusted her stance on specific issues like a fracking ban and Medicare for All. In an ABC News interview last month, Harris defended her evolving positions, emphasizing that her core values remain unchanged. Sanders has not fully endorsed Harris since she replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket. In July, soon after Biden stepped down from his re-election campaign, Sanders told NBC News that he looked forward to strongly supporting Harris, but emphasized the need for her to focus on the American working class.

Recently, Harris has been outlining her economic agenda, resulting in her softening on several of Biden's core proposals for the fiscal 2025 budget. For instance, Biden proposed a 39.6% tax rate on long-term capital gains for households earning $1 million or more, while Harris suggested a 28% rate in New Hampshire last week. When asked about Harris's proposed rate, Sanders indicated he would opt for a higher percentage but also stressed that while Biden and Harris have achieved some progressive wins, more needs to be done. Additionally, Harris advocated for a 25% minimum tax on total income, including unrealized gains, known as the billionaire minimum tax.

At a campaign event in New Hampshire, Harris remarked that it is unjust for those who can most afford it to pay lower tax rates than teachers, nurses, and firefighters, thus expressing her support for a billionaire minimum tax and fair corporate taxation. On Sunday, Sanders reiterated that he considers Harris to be a progressive, despite differences in their views. He noted that her positions on making the child tax credit permanent, expanding affordable housing options, and boosting union support are significant. While Harris's views may not entirely align with his own, Sanders affirmed her progressive stance.