New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy defended Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to avoid formal interviews with the press since becoming the Democratic Party's nominee, saying she has "plenty of time" to do so.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has come to the defense of Vice President Kamala Harris, dismissing concerns about her avoidance of formal media interviews since becoming the Democratic Party's nominee.
During an appearance on CNN on Tuesday, Murphy was asked about Harris's lack of interviews, which has sparked criticism from some quarters. Murphy responded by saying that Harris is "on a roll" and that she has "brought joy back into the whole arena of politics."
Governor Murphy Defends Vice President Harris's Avoidance of Media Interviews
"There will be plenty of time to do interviews," Murphy told CNN host Kate Bolduan.
Harris has gone 24 days as of Wednesday without holding a formal press conference or sit-down interview since emerging as the Democratic Party's nominee after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the race.
Governor Murphy Defends Vice President Harris's Avoidance of Media Interviews
Former President Donald Trump has criticized Harris for her lack of interviews, and billionaire Elon Musk interviewed Trump on Monday.
Murphy responded to Trump's criticisms by saying that "one thing about last night, without having heard it, that was no interview."
Governor Murphy Defends Vice President Harris's Avoidance of Media Interviews
"So, when she does interviews, she’ll do it with real journalists like yourself," Murphy added, referring to Bolduan.
Murphy also praised Harris's choice of running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saying it was "inspired" and that the campaign has experienced an "extraordinary several weeks."
Walz has faced controversy after being named Harris's running mate for his service in the Army National Guard. There has been a rush of coverage of Walz's 24 years in the National Guard as questions mount surrounding his service record and claims of "stolen valor" gained traction.
Those criticisms, some from veterans who served alongside Walz, center around Walz retiring just months before his battalion deployed to Iraq as war raged in the Middle East following the 9/11 attacks. Walz put in his papers for retirement at least five months before his battalion received deployment orders, according to the Minnesota National Guard.
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Murphy's defense of Harris comes amid growing criticism of her decision to avoid media interviews. Some have argued that as the Democratic Party's nominee, Harris has a responsibility to be more accessible to the press. Others have defended Harris's decision, saying that she is simply choosing to focus on campaigning and meeting with voters.
It remains to be seen how Harris's decision to avoid media interviews will impact her campaign. Only time will tell whether she will regret her decision or if it will ultimately benefit her.
