CNN Reporter Worried Media Focus on Kamala Harris Interviews May Obscure Campaign's Direct Outreach Strategy

CNN correspondent Audie Cornish expressed concern that the media's preoccupation with interviewing Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris might overshadow her campaign's innovative direct outreach efforts. Cornish emphasized the importance of highlighting the campaign's unique approach, which focuses on direct voter engagement, rather than dwelling excessively on access and interviews.

CNN correspondent Audie Cornish has expressed apprehension about the media's excessive focus on interviewing Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Cornish believes that this preoccupation could potentially obscure the campaign's innovative strategy of reaching out directly to voters.

Speaking on CNN's "The Assignment" podcast, Cornish said, "I do get a little nervous that in the media we're preoccupied with, like, how much access, how many conversations is she going to have in the settings we deem most valuable to voters, when this is a campaign that is actually making a mark in an interesting way, reaching out to people directly."

CNN Reporter Worried Media Focus on Kamala Harris Interviews May Obscure Campaign's Direct Outreach Strategy

Cornish's comments came after Harris sat down for an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, marking her first in-depth media sit-down since becoming the presumptive nominee. The interview has garnered significant attention due to Harris's avoidance of the media since being nominated, having not held a press conference in over 40 days.

Despite Republican criticism of Harris's media avoidance, Cornish believes that her ability to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue in the CNN interview demonstrates her competence in handling scrutiny. However, she also acknowledges that the stakes are higher when Harris is herself under examination.

CNN Reporter Worried Media Focus on Kamala Harris Interviews May Obscure Campaign's Direct Outreach Strategy

Cornish highlighted the importance of scrutinizing individuals who deserve it, but expressed concern that Harris's unique campaign strategy might be overlooked if the media becomes too focused on interviews. She believes that the campaign's direct outreach efforts could offer valuable insights into its overall effectiveness.

The lack of media access to Harris has drawn criticism from some quarters, arguing that it shields her from tough questions about her evolving policy stances. However, Cornish maintains that the campaign's direct outreach approach should not be discounted.

CNN Reporter Worried Media Focus on Kamala Harris Interviews May Obscure Campaign's Direct Outreach Strategy

Harris's interview with CNN, coming just 68 days before Election Day, has generated mixed reactions. While some commentators have praised her ability to engage in discussion, others have criticized her for dodging tough questions about her policy reversals.

Ultimately, the significance of Harris's interview with CNN remains to be seen. Whether it marks a turning point in her media engagement strategy or becomes a mere footnote in the campaign's narrative is a matter of speculation. However, Cornish's concerns about the media's preoccupation with interviews underscore the need for a balanced approach to covering the campaign's multifaceted efforts.

CNN Reporter Worried Media Focus on Kamala Harris Interviews May Obscure Campaign's Direct Outreach Strategy