Harris Adviser Defends Vice President's Lack of Media Appearances

Senior adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms says Harris is too busy as a candidate and vice president to do more interviews.

With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, Vice President Kamala Harris has come under fire for her limited media appearances. Critics point out that her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, has granted significantly more interviews, leaving many to question why Harris is not engaging with the press as much.

In a recent interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Harris adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms defended the vice president's decision to limit her unscripted media appearances. Bottoms argued that Harris is an extremely busy person who is juggling her duties as both vice president and presidential candidate.

Harris Adviser Defends Vice President's Lack of Media Appearances

"I know that we would love- or you would love to see her sit down every single day with CNN and do interviews. But it’s that she’s a very busy person. She’s the vice president as well as a candidate," Bottoms said.

Bottoms went on to point out that Harris has done interviews, albeit not in the format that the media would prefer. For example, Harris recently sat down for a lengthy conversation with Oprah Winfrey alongside a roster of A-list supporters. Harris has also made several speeches and public appearances where she has discussed her policy positions.

Harris Adviser Defends Vice President's Lack of Media Appearances

However, some critics argue that these types of appearances do not allow for the same level of scrutiny as a traditional interview with a journalist. By avoiding unscripted interviews, Harris is able to control the narrative and avoid being asked tough questions about her policies and positions.

For example, Harris has been criticized for her stance on reproductive rights, which she has stated she supports. However, she has also expressed support for abortion restrictions in the past, which has led to questions about her true position on the issue. An unscripted interview would allow journalists to press Harris on these inconsistencies and get a better understanding of her views.

Harris Adviser Defends Vice President's Lack of Media Appearances

It remains to be seen whether Harris's limited media appearances will hurt her chances in the election. Some voters may appreciate that she is focused on her job as vice president and her campaign, while others may view her lack of engagement with the press as a sign of evasiveness or a lack of transparency.

Ultimately, it is up to the American people to decide whether or not Harris's limited media appearances matter to them.

Harris Adviser Defends Vice President's Lack of Media Appearances