Tim Russert, the renowned host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” famously stated, “I don’t believe you can make tough decisions unless you can answer tough questions.” As Vice President Kamala Harris embarks on her presidential campaign, Russert’s challenge might be a crucial consideration.
Since President Biden’s exit from the race and Harris’s subsequent assumption of the campaign mantle, she has remained unusually quiet with the media. Despite numerous invitations for interviews and press conferences, Harris has not engaged with journalists, prompting daily updates from Fox News on her media avoidance.
Harris’s strategy to avoid media engagements seems to be boosting her poll numbers, though it raises concerns about transparency
The media landscape is eager for an exclusive interview with Harris, yet she continues to sidestep these opportunities. This strategy, if intentional, seems to be yielding results as her poll numbers have reportedly improved since Biden’s withdrawal. Given Harris’s history of gaffes during unscripted speaking events, her campaign may view media engagement as potentially detrimental. The favorable coverage she’s received so far might reinforce this strategy.
However, the context of the 2024 campaign is different from Biden’s 2020 campaign, which was conducted under pandemic restrictions. Harris’s current situation doesn’t involve any such limitations, nor does it stem from any personal health concerns.
Opting for a media avoidance strategy might be perceived as disingenuous and somewhat un-American. It implies a lack of confidence in the electorate’s ability to make informed choices based on comprehensive information. It also contradicts her campaign’s portrayal of her as “fearless.”
Pollster Scott Rasmussen’s research reveals that voters are largely unaware of Harris’s policy positions, with most only knowing her stance on abortion. This suggests that Harris’s approach to avoiding the press limits public understanding of her policies.
A free press is vital for democratic engagement, and by avoiding the media, Harris is essentially avoiding direct interaction with the public. While well-orchestrated rallies and speeches can create memorable visuals, they don’t provide the in-depth policy insights voters need.
Engaging with the media doesn’t have to be intimidating. Harris could participate in interviews with friendly journalists who would likely avoid difficult questions, thereby allowing her to present herself in a positive light. Even minimal interaction with the press would demonstrate her willingness to be accountable and transparent.
However, if Harris is hesitant to engage in dialogues with seasoned journalists like Wolf Blitzer or Savannah Guthrie, it raises concerns about her readiness to handle complex international negotiations or internal conflicts as president. As she aims for the White House, the public deserves more transparency regarding how she plans to make critical decisions beyond what is conveyed through campaign ads and speeches.
