Critics argue CNN's Dana Bash took a tougher approach with GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance than with Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to a disparity in the level of scrutiny during their respective interviews.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently sat down with CNN's Dana Bash for her first media interview since becoming Joe Biden's running mate. However, the interview has drawn criticism from some who argue that Bash's approach was less assertive than in her previous interview with GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
Critics contend that Bash failed to press Harris on inconsistencies in her political record, Trump's personal attacks, and her plans for day one in the Oval Office. In contrast, Bash grilled Vance for six minutes about his criticism of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's military service and his "childless cat ladies" comments.
CNN's Contrasted Interviews: Vance Grilled, Harris Given Kid Gloves
Vanessa Santos, president of Renegade PR, expressed disappointment in Bash's handling of the Harris-Walz interview. "If she would've brought even half of that energy to the Harris-Walz interview, voters might have learned something last night," Santos stated.
Michael Knowles, host of "The Michael Knowles Show," suggested that Bash's objective was not to challenge Harris but rather to give her an easy platform. "Her job was not to ask tough questions ... but rather to allow Kamala Harris to check the box of having endured an uneventful interview," Knowles opined.
CNN's Contrasted Interviews: Vance Grilled, Harris Given Kid Gloves
Conversely, others argue that Bash's approach with Harris was appropriate. Howard Kurtz of Fox News praised Bash for her "fine job of pressing the vice president and following up." The New York Times also commended Bash for navigating a "tough night adeptly" in a "friendly" interview setting.
However, some critics argue that Bash's focus on "right-wing talking points" limited the originality and depth of her questioning. Sami Sage of Betches Media asserted that the interview was largely framed around Republican criticisms.
CNN's Contrasted Interviews: Vance Grilled, Harris Given Kid Gloves
Matt McDermott, a Democratic pollster, expressed concern that the interview was overly driven by right-wing narratives. "The press continues to be plagued by an inability to interview Democrats without the entire conversation being framed as, ‘What is your response to this false Republican talking point?’" McDermott argued.
Despite contrasting perspectives on Bash's performance, the disparity in CNN's treatment of Vance and Harris has sparked debate about the media's role in scrutinizing candidates and its potential impact on the upcoming election.
CNN's Contrasted Interviews: Vance Grilled, Harris Given Kid Gloves
