Harris' Media Avoidance Draws Criticism from CNN Commentator

CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings ridicules Vice President Kamala Harris' reluctance to engage in challenging media interviews, questioning when she has ever faced tough questions from reporters.

CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings has taken aim at Vice President Kamala Harris for her reluctance to engage in challenging media interviews. During a recent segment on the network, Jennings ridiculed the notion that Harris has done any interviews with reporters who would thoroughly grill her on her agenda since becoming the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

"When has she sat down with any hostile media?" Jennings asked in reply to network legal analyst Elliot Williams pointing out that Oprah Winfrey's interview with Harris provided a friendly forum.

Harris' Media Avoidance Draws Criticism from CNN Commentator

The brief exchange occurred after CNN anchor Kasie Hunt observed Harris' struggles in interview situations and invited Williams to comment. Williams suggested that Harris should not have any issues in a sit-down with Oprah since she was "speaking to a supporter here."

"It's hard to equate an interview with sort of a more hostile and not even hostile – more critical member of the press with someone who has pledged to support the campaign," Williams said, referring to Winfrey, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention last month.

Harris' Media Avoidance Draws Criticism from CNN Commentator

"When would that be?" Jennings interjected, inquiring about when Harris had ever dealt with a hostile press. Amused, Williams responded, "You know what the hell, I meant Scott." Jennings retorted, "I'm just asking," and repeated his question.

During Harris' interview with Winfrey, the two discussed the Democratic candidate's vision for the country as well as her policies. There was even a viral exchange between them about Harris' personal gun ownership, where Winfrey said she "did not know" the vice president owned a firearm.

Harris' Media Avoidance Draws Criticism from CNN Commentator

"If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot, sorry," Harris replied, laughing. She quickly followed up by saying, "Probably should not have said that. But my staff will deal with that later."

Jennings criticized the interview earlier in the CNN discussion, stating, "I watched a good chunk of this thing last night. I mean it was mostly a solid hour of the same sort of vacuous word salad-tossing that we've come to expect out of the vice president."

However, the commentator praised the clip of Harris saying she would shoot a home intruder, saying, "But that little clip, actually, I think it sells. I think that was a helpful moment for her."

"But the rest of it was really, really inane banter, and if you read the transcript of it, you would say, ‘What?’" he added.

Harris has been criticized for her hesitancy to engage with reporters who may ask her difficult questions. Some observers have suggested that this reluctance stems from a desire to avoid gaffes or controversies that could damage her political standing.

Others argue that Harris' avoidance of tough interviews is a missed opportunity to connect with voters and demonstrate her ability to handle adversarial situations. With the midterms approaching, Harris' media strategy will likely come under further scrutiny.