Kamala Harris's Lack of Interviews Stirs Concerns, Reflecting Barbara Walters' Expectations

Barbara Walters' biographer, Susan Page, believes the late journalist would have expected Vice President Kamala Harris to do more media interviews ahead of the presidential election.

Barbara Walters, the legendary broadcaster who recently passed away, would have expected Vice President Kamala Harris to conduct more media interviews, according to her biographer Susan Page. Page, Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today, shared her insights with Fox News Digital at the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival.

Harris has avoided press questions for nearly 40 days since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. Her recent interview with CNN's Dana Bash and two subsequent radio interviews fall short of the level of media engagement expected of a candidate seeking the highest office in the land.

Kamala Harris's Lack of Interviews Stirs Concerns, Reflecting Barbara Walters' Expectations

In contrast, former President Donald Trump has granted numerous interviews, held press conferences, and participated in a televised town hall with Fox News' Sean Hannity. The disparity in media availability has drawn attention and criticism.

Page believes that Walters would have held Harris accountable for her lack of interviews. Walters was a trailblazer for women in journalism, and her career was marked by groundbreaking interviews with presidents, prime ministers, and world leaders.

Kamala Harris's Lack of Interviews Stirs Concerns, Reflecting Barbara Walters' Expectations

"She would expect both nominees to be doing interviews with serious journalists during a presidential campaign," Page said. "I think Barbara Walters would be pursuing her with the expectation that part of the job of being president is talking to Americans, and one of the ways you talk to Americans is through the news media."

Page's comments highlight the importance of media engagement in the political process. Candidates must be willing to answer questions from the press and the public to demonstrate transparency and accountability.

Kamala Harris's Lack of Interviews Stirs Concerns, Reflecting Barbara Walters' Expectations

By avoiding interviews, Harris is denying voters the opportunity to assess her views and qualifications for the presidency. Her lack of engagement raises questions about her willingness to communicate effectively and handle the scrutiny that comes with the office.

Walters, who died in December 2022 at age 93, was a pioneer in broadcast journalism. She broke barriers for women in the field and paved the way for others to succeed. Her legacy includes a deep understanding of the role of media in our democracy and the importance of journalists holding those in power to account.

Kamala Harris's Lack of Interviews Stirs Concerns, Reflecting Barbara Walters' Expectations

Page's biography of Walters, titled "The Rulebreaker," sheds light on the life and career of an extraordinary journalist. Walters' contributions to journalism and her unwavering commitment to asking tough questions serve as an inspiration to those who seek to hold truth to power.

In the age of instant communication and social media, media interviews remain an essential tool for candidates to connect with voters and demonstrate their fitness for office. Harris's reluctance to engage with the press is a cause for concern and reflects a departure from the standards set by previous presidential candidates.