Harris Criticized for Joint Interview in First Campaign Appearance

Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism for choosing to do her first 2024 campaign interview alongside her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, instead of a solo interview.

Vice President Kamala Harris has come under fire for her decision to conduct her first 2024 campaign interview alongside her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, rather than a solo interview. The move has drawn criticism from Republicans and some journalists, who argue that Harris is not capable of defending her platform on her own.

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik led the charge against Harris, stating that it is "absolutely unacceptable" for the Democratic presidential nominee to grant her first interview jointly with her running mate. Stefanik accused Harris of being offensive to women by refusing to sit for a solo interview when she is running to be commander-in-chief.

Harris Criticized for Joint Interview in First Campaign Appearance

Republicans have seized on Harris' decision as evidence that she is not capable of standing on her own. Rep. Elise Stefanik argued that the joint interview shows Harris is not capable of defending her platform on her own.

Some journalists have also questioned the Harris campaign's decision. Former CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller wrote on Twitter, "Should CNN have insisted on a one-on-one interview with Harris and turned down a joint interview with Harris and Walz? Too tough to walk away from. But first question to Harris ought to be why [she] couldn’t appear solo."

Harris Criticized for Joint Interview in First Campaign Appearance

Harris' campaign has defended the decision, citing the precedent of presidential candidates doing joint interviews. A campaign official told Politico Playbook that Harris will "obviously" do solo interviews as well.

However, the criticism has continued to mount. Fox News Digital reached out to the Trump campaign for a response, which has not yet been provided.

Harris Criticized for Joint Interview in First Campaign Appearance

The joint interview is set to air on CNN at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday. It will be both Harris and Walz's first interviews since becoming the Democrats' presidential ticket.

Harris has faced growing pressure to participate in an unscripted, on-the-record media event or press conference since replacing President Biden at the top of the ticket 39 days ago. She has not done so since becoming the nominee, save for a notable but brief gaggle with reporters earlier this month.

Harris Criticized for Joint Interview in First Campaign Appearance

The Harris campaign has not yet responded to Stefanik's specific accusations.

It remains to be seen how the joint interview will be received by the public. However, the controversy surrounding it has already cast a shadow over Harris' campaign launch.