Kamala Harris Dodges Media Scrutiny, Raising Concerns About Transparency

Vice President Kamala Harris has gone over a month without holding a formal press conference or sit-down interview, sparking criticism from political opponents and media outlets. The lack of press engagement has raised concerns about Harris's transparency and accountability.

Vice President Kamala Harris has come under fire for her avoidance of the media since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July. Despite an active campaign schedule, Harris has not held a formal press conference or wide-ranging interview in over a month.

This absence has not gone unnoticed. The left-leaning Washington Post editorial board has challenged Harris over her unwillingness to engage with the media, particularly given her opponent's willingness to answer questions. The Post argues that Harris needs to account for her numerous policy shifts, including on fracking, border security, and private health insurance.

Kamala Harris Dodges Media Scrutiny, Raising Concerns About Transparency

Liberal columnist Perry Bacon has also called on Harris to take questions, as has CNN anchor Jim Acosta, who recently asked the campaign communications director if it would be "too much" to do so. The campaign has responded by vaguely pledging an interview before the end of the month.

GOP vice-presidential candidate JD Vance has urged Harris to "do the job of a presidential candidate" by speaking to reporters. Vance has himself participated in three Sunday shows in recent weeks, taking tough questions from major news outlets.

Kamala Harris Dodges Media Scrutiny, Raising Concerns About Transparency

Despite the criticism, some in Harris's orbit have defended her decision to avoid press conferences. CNN commentator and former Bill Clinton aide Paul Begala has dismissed the issue, saying "who cares?" Former Obama administration ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul has argued that Harris's focus should be on winning, not on talking to the press.

However, others have noted the irony of progressives who once emphasized the importance of the media in holding power to account now defending Harris's lack of transparency. NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham expects Harris to follow President Biden's 2020 playbook, which involved avoiding press conferences and interviews.

Kamala Harris Dodges Media Scrutiny, Raising Concerns About Transparency

The Harris campaign has defended its strategy, stating that it is using "paid media, on the ground organizing, an aggressive campaign schedule, and of course interviews that reach our target voters" to connect with the public. The campaign has also criticized Trump's tactics, accusing him of "rage-posting, accosting reporters, and insulting the voters he’ll need to win."

Critics have argued that Harris's strategy is a disservice to voters, who deserve to know more about the person who wants to be their president. They also question the effectiveness of a candidate who is unwilling or unable to engage with the media.

Kamala Harris Dodges Media Scrutiny, Raising Concerns About Transparency

As the election nears, the pressure on Harris to engage with the media will likely increase. It remains to be seen whether she will accede to these demands or continue to avoid scrutiny.