CNN commentators S.E. Cupp and Bakari Sellers engaged in a heated debate over Vice President Kamala Harris' infrequent media appearances, with Cupp arguing that it damages her credibility while Sellers dismissed it as an "inside the Beltway" issue.
CNN commentators on Thursday engaged in a fiery debate over Vice President Kamala Harris' limited media appearances, with perspectives ranging from concerns over credibility to dismissals as insider politics. The discussion emerged after Harris held her first press conference in nearly three weeks, sparking discourse on her level of engagement with the media.
S.E. Cupp, a CNN commentator and anti-Trump Republican, expressed concern that Harris' avoidance of the media undermines her credibility. She argued that voters in swing states expect answers to their questions, and Harris' refusal to engage directly with them could erode her standing.
Battle of the Beltway: CNN Pundits Clash over Harris' Media Avoidance
"I speak to swing state voters all the time," Cupp said. "They have questions, they want answers."
However, Bakari Sellers, a CNN commentator and Democratic strategist, dismissed Cupp's concerns as an issue confined to the political circles of Washington, D.C. He argued that everyday Americans are not as concerned about Harris' lack of media visibility.
Battle of the Beltway: CNN Pundits Clash over Harris' Media Avoidance
"Don't nobody care but us," Sellers said of the criticism. "This is so in the Beltway."
Tricia McLaughlin, a former communications director for Vivek Ramaswamy's presidential campaign, joined the discussion, questioning why Harris should not be held accountable to answer questions from the American people. She noted that engaging with the media can ultimately enhance a candidate's standing.
Battle of the Beltway: CNN Pundits Clash over Harris' Media Avoidance
"And why shouldn't she?" McLaughlin asked. "She should answer these questions for the American people."
Cupp also suggested that Harris has enjoyed a "honeymoon period" in terms of media coverage following her nomination by the Democratic Party. However, she cautioned that this could be a temporary phenomenon, and that Harris should engage with the media more proactively to maintain her credibility.
Harris' press conference on Thursday marked a departure from her recent media silence. She briefly fielded questions from reporters but declined to commit to a specific timeline for future interviews. Her campaign also declined to comment on the issue when contacted by Fox News Digital.
Despite the debate over her media avoidance, Harris has seen positive gains in the polls following President Biden's withdrawal from the Democratic race. A recent poll from Marquette Law School showed her expanding her lead over Trump among likely voters by six points.
The extent to which Harris' media avoidance will impact her candidacy remains to be seen. Some argue that it could damage her credibility and make it harder to connect with voters. Others suggest that it is not a major concern and that Harris should focus on her campaign strategy. The ongoing debate within CNN's commentator panel reflects the divergent views on this issue within the political landscape.
