Over the Labor Day weekend, Democratic leaders rallied to support Vice President Kamala Harris in response to criticisms regarding her changing policy positions. Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed on ABC’s “This Week” that a positive leader is one who learns and adapts over time, suggesting that voters generally understand this evolution, especially as circumstances and roles change. Similarly, Rep. Brendan Boyle from Pennsylvania echoed these sentiments on CNN, asserting that gaining more information and experience naturally leads to shifts in perspective.

Rep. Ro Khanna from California took a different stance during his appearance on NBC's "Meet The Press," labeling Harris as a "progressive who is pragmatic" and consistent in her policies. While addressing criticism of her previous comments on border enforcement and fracking, Harris remarked that she will enforce laws against illegal border crossings, contrasting her earlier position during her campaign for presidency, where she opposed such actions. Similarly, she stated her reluctance to ban fracking despite earlier indications of supporting a ban.

Harris's healthcare stance has also stirred controversy, as campaign officials have claimed she does not support Medicare for All, yet she has not publicly retracted her previous statements favoring a government-run system. Khanna pointed out that during the 2020 primary, Harris was not an advocate for Medicare for All, emphasizing how such positions can evolve. Both Polis and Boyle recognized Harris's shifting stances but argued they reflect her pragmatic approach to leadership. Polis commented that Harris uses data-driven decision-making, which can lead to policy adjustments. Boyle further contrasted Harris's approach with Donald Trump's, suggesting that Harris’s shifts are far less inconsistent compared to Trump’s frequent policy changes.