Vice President Kamala Harris is facing scrutiny from the press, yet she remains reticent. Since President Biden’s withdrawal from the race nearly three weeks ago, which elevated Harris to the forefront of the Democratic ticket, she has avoided unscripted interactions with journalists. Despite her high profile, she has not participated in interviews or news conferences.
On Thursday, following a rally in Michigan, she conducted her first “gaggle” — a brief and informal Q&A session with the media. The session lasted just 70 seconds.
Harris’s limited press engagement since Biden’s departure fuels debates about her campaign strategy
Harris now finds herself in a position similar to her predecessor, who had infamously limited White House news conferences. Emulating this cautious approach, Harris has relied on scripted speeches and prepared statements, with her campaign controlling the narrative tightly.
When asked about the possibility of an upcoming interview on Thursday, Harris indicated that she would prioritize scheduling one after the convention. “I want us to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month,” she noted, as her aides signaled that the press conference was concluding.
The lack of media interaction has fueled criticism from the right, with Republicans and Fox News commentators accusing Harris of evading scrutiny. The Harris campaign argues that it is carefully strategizing to effectively introduce her to key voters in swing states.
David Axelrod, who was instrumental in Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, suggested that Harris is strategically managing her public appearances. He noted that while her recent energetic speeches are effective, presidential campaigns also involve debates and unscripted interactions. Axelrod is confident that Harris will address these challenges in due time.
