13 Days: VP Kamala Harris Avoids Press After Veritable Coronation

Vice President Kamala Harris, recently crowned as the Democratic presidential nominee, faces growing scrutiny for not holding a formal press conference in the past thirteen days.

Harris's absence from the press spotlight post-nomination sparks concerns and comparisons to past failed campaign strategies, as Fox News reports.

After her triumphant announcement on July 22, Harris became the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee. Despite her active presence in campaign trails and minor interactions with the media, Harris has shied away from any formal press engagements.

Her recent notable public appearance included a significant event at Joint Base Andrews, where she stood beside President Joe Biden, welcoming Americans recently released from Russia. This event included high-profile figures such as journalist Evan Gershkovich.

However, Harris's decision to skip the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, which even saw former President Trump in attendance, added fuel to the ongoing debate about her media strategy.

Increasing Criticism Over Media Strategy

The absence of Harris from major media engagements has not gone unnoticed. Critics from various quarters, including media analysts and political figures, have voiced their concerns over what they perceive as a deliberate strategy to avoid tough questions.

Comments from figures such as Noah Rothman and Ben Shapiro point to a growing frustration among journalists and political commentators. Rothman straightforwardly questioned, "When is Kamala Harris going to hold a press conference?" Similarly, Shapiro criticized the Vice President for not facing challenging questions, stating she has "not answered ONE difficult question in the last week and a half."

Reflections on Campaign Tactics

Tim Graham, a media critic, echoed sentiments that suggest a pattern of avoidance similar to that observed during President Biden’s 2020 campaign. He suggested that Harris might wait to engage more directly with the press around the time she announces her vice-presidential pick.

Graham’s remarks reflect a broader critique of the Democratic leadership’s media strategy, remarking on the stark contrast between Trump’s media accessibility and the more reserved approach of Biden and Harris. This approach, according to Graham, showcases a "bizarre spectacle" where Trump faced aggressive media scrutiny while Biden and Harris seemed overly selective in their media interactions.

Concerns Over Harris's Media Handling

Jeffrey McCall, another media analyst, highlighted potential reasons behind Harris’s media strategy, pointing out her difficulties in unscripted settings. McCall’s insight suggests that a press conference or a serious interview would force Harris to defend her record and policy positions, which might be why her team prefers less challenging media interactions.

He further noted that while Harris's core supporters seem unbothered by her limited media interaction, attracting moderate or undecided voters might require more robust engagement with the press. McCall recommended that from a strategic standpoint, it would be beneficial for Harris to hold a press conference and engage in substantial journalistic interviews.

Looking Forward to the Democratic National Convention

As the Democratic National Convention approaches on August 19 in Chicago, all eyes will be on Harris to see if she will shift her media strategy. The convention will be a crucial moment for Harris to solidify her position and perhaps address the growing concerns about her engagement with the press.

Whether Harris will adjust her approach remains to be seen, but the pressure is certainly mounting for her to step more directly into the media spotlight. The upcoming convention could potentially serve as the perfect platform for Harris to address her critics and reassure her supporters by embracing a more open and engaging media strategy.

Final Thoughts on VP Harris’s Media Strategy

In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris's avoidance of the press following her nomination has drawn significant attention and criticism. Her selective media engagements contrast sharply with the open-access approach of her political adversaries.

With the Democratic National Convention on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Harris will modify her media approach to quell the criticisms and engage more openly with the press and public.