Kamala Harris has been unusually quiet with the press since her nomination.
According to Fox News, Vice President Kamala Harris has abstained from holding a formal press conference or participating in a comprehensive media interview since securing the presumptive Democratic presidential nomination nearly a month ago.
Criticism has emerged from political rivals and media commentators alike, expressing concerns over her lack of media engagement, which sharply contrasts with the practices of her opponents.
Since being endorsed by President Biden on July 21, Harris has avoided the traditional media interactions typical of a presidential campaign.
Instead, she has focused on delivering speeches and engaging in campaign activities across various states, including Michigan and Phoenix, where she briefly interacted with reporters on a range of topics, from upcoming debates to policy discussions.
This strategy has not gone unnoticed. The Washington Post and other media outlets have pointed out her scant availability to the press, which has sparked further dialogue on her media approach compared to her predecessors and competitors.
GOP VP candidate JD Vance and others have taken to national platforms to critique Harris's approach, likening it to Biden's previous strategies, which were also noted for limited press interactions.
Tim Graham of NewsBusters commented on the situation, stating:
Kamala Harris should hold a press conference... But we cannot expect her to break from Biden's serial avoidance of press conferences. Since the 2020 campaign, we have witnessed the bizarre spectacle of Donald Trump granting wide access to networks that suggest he's a fascist and hammer him daily, while Biden and Harris won't grant interviews to media outlets that gurgle all over them and their ‘historic accomplishments.
Amidst the criticism, the Harris campaign has defended their approach. They emphasized a strategic focus on direct voter engagement through modern channels like paid media and targeted organizing rather than traditional press conferences. This explanation suggests a tactical choice suited to their campaign goals rather than mere media avoidance.
Echoing the campaign’s strategy, a Harris Campaign spokesperson outlined their priorities: “With under 90 days to go, the Vice President’s top priority is earning the support of the voters...through paid media, on-the-ground organizing, an aggressive campaign schedule, and of course interviews that reach our target voters.”
The spokesperson defended the approach and took a jab at the opposition, remarking, “It’s a far cry from Trump’s losing, ineffective strategy,” showing the contrast between their styles and perceived effectiveness.
This nuanced media strategy has nevertheless fueled ongoing debates about media transparency and accessibility. As the election draws nearer, the scrutiny of Harris's approach is likely to intensify, possibly forcing a reassessment of her engagement with the press.
Vice President Kamala Harris has not held a press conference or a formal interview for 24 days since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, following President Biden's endorsement and her subsequent nomination. She has made brief comments to reporters during campaign stops but has avoided extensive media engagements, which has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Washington Post. Amidst this scrutiny, her campaign emphasizes strategic communication with voters, contrasting with former President Trump's more direct media interactions.
