Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to Face First Joint Interview After Weeks of Avoiding Press

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will sit down for their first joint interview with CNN's Dana Bash in an "extensive interview" that will air on Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET. It will be Harris's first sit-down interview since becoming the Democratic nominee over a month ago.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have agreed to grant their first joint interview to CNN after weeks of avoiding the press. The interview, which will be taped on Thursday afternoon and air on Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET, marks a significant departure from Harris's previous strategy of dodging interviews and press conferences.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to Face First Joint Interview After Weeks of Avoiding Press

Harris has faced intense criticism for her reluctance to engage with the media since emerging as the Democratic nominee following President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race. Her refusal to address policy positions, give news conferences, or participate in interviews has drawn scrutiny from both the media and political opponents.

The CNN interview will give Harris an opportunity to address her policy shifts on issues such as fracking, border security, and private health insurance, all of which she took progressive stances on as a presidential candidate in 2019. She may also be asked about her alleged knowledge of Biden's declining mental health, which she publicly defended despite his disastrous debate performance.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to Face First Joint Interview After Weeks of Avoiding Press

Walz, too, will likely face questions over the growing controversy surrounding his military service record and his left-wing policies as Minnesota's governor. CNN anchor Dana Bash, who moderated the CNN presidential debate in June that marked the beginning of the end for Biden's candidacy, will conduct the interview.

The Trump campaign has repeatedly criticized Harris and Walz for avoiding the press, while the Republican ticket of former President Trump and Senator JD Vance has regularly participated in interviews and press conferences. In response to the announcement of the CNN interview, the Trump campaign issued a statement calling Harris a "chickens---" for "hiding behind Tim Walz" and accusing her of being unable to handle tough questions on her own.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to Face First Joint Interview After Weeks of Avoiding Press

Harris's decision to participate in the CNN interview is seen as an attempt to address the criticism she has faced for her media blackout and to present a more polished and prepared image to the public. However, it remains to be seen whether the interview will be successful in mitigating the damage caused by her previous avoidance of the press.