Kamala Harris’s silence has become a subtle roar in the political arena.
Vice President Kamala Harris, after declaring herself the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has not held any formal press conferences in the past 14 days, Fox News reported.
Having secured majority delegate support, Harris announced her victory on July 22, marking a significant milestone in her political career. However, this has also started a clock that has become a focal point for media and critics alike.
Since her announcement, Vice President Harris has been active in her campaign efforts, appearing at various events and engaging briefly with journalists. On August 2, during an event at Joint Base Andrews, she made a limited address to the press, avoiding a deeper journalistic interrogation.
Observations have emerged about her preference for controlled environments over more open and unpredictable media settings. This approach draws parallels to President Joe Biden’s strategy during the 2020 campaign, which was often characterized by limited press interaction.
The noticeable absence of Kamala Harris from the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, which former President Donald Trump attended on August 1, underscores the narrative of avoidance.
Criticism regarding her strategy is abundant. Experts suggest that engaging openly with the press could benefit her campaign.
Jeffrey McCall, a professor at DePauw University, pointed out the tactical risks in Harris's approach. He suggested, "From a rhetorical strategy standpoint, it would behoove Harris to do a presser and do real journalistic interviews."
Tim Graham of NewsBusters expressed discontent with the continuous media sidestep:
Either they think the press can never be servile enough or they are projecting a complete lack of confidence in their efforts to put complete sentences together.
The Democratic National Convention, slated for August 19 in Chicago, looms as a potential turning point. Here, Harris will have another opportunity to redefine her media engagement strategies amidst growing criticism.
Commentators like Noah Rothman from National Review are persistent in questioning when Harris will break her silence and address the media comprehensively: "When is Kamala Harris going to hold a press conference?"
The upcoming decision regarding her vice-presidential pick could offer a pivotal moment for Harris to engage with the press in a meaningful way. Nonetheless, critics remain skeptical of a shift in strategy, echoing concerns that the current approach might mirror the cautious tactics used by Biden in the previous campaign.
In conclusion, as the Democratic National Convention approaches, all eyes will be on Vice President Kamala Harris, not just for her political stances but also for her approach to media engagement, which remains a critical element of her campaign’s strategy. Her next steps could either mitigate the criticisms or reinforce the narratives of evasion that have followed her candidacy thus far.
