In her first extensive interview since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed her policy evolution and defended her support for President Biden's mental acuity. However, she has yet to hold a formal press conference, drawing criticism from some commentators.
Vice President Kamala Harris's drought of media interviews finally ended, but she has yet to hold an official press conference after 44 days as the Democratic nominee for president. Despite agreeing to a sit-down interview with CNN's Dana Bash last week, Harris has faced pressure to grant more substantive interviews and engage in traditional media interactions.
During the interview, Harris defended her policy flip-flops on issues such as fracking and immigration, claiming that her "values" had not changed. She also addressed her support for President Biden's mental fitness after his withdrawal from the race, stating that she had "no regrets" despite Biden's subsequent decision to drop out.
Kamala Harris Addresses Policy Shifts, Defends Biden, and Avoids Formal Press Conferences
Harris expressed a desire to "turn the page on the last decade of what I believe has been contrary to where the spirit of our country really lies." However, Bash pointed out that Harris had served as vice president for three-and-a-half years during that period. In response, Harris clarified that she meant moving on from the "era" since the political rise of Donald Trump in 2015.
Following the interview, NBC News correspondent Yamiche Alcindor criticized Harris for not fully explaining her policy shifts. Fox News contributor Joe Concha predicted that Harris would avoid press conferences until Election Day, while Fox News Digital managing editor Curtis Houck emphasized the importance of free-wheeling press conferences with follow-up questions.
Kamala Harris Addresses Policy Shifts, Defends Biden, and Avoids Formal Press Conferences
Houck also highlighted topics that Bash had missed in her interview, such as allowing death row inmates to vote, closing ICE, and ending private insurance. He further argued that CNN had presented the interview as an "event" rather than a fact-finding mission, creating a positive atmosphere that allowed Harris to avoid challenging questions.
Conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings expressed concern over Harris's comments about embracing "Bidenomics," suggesting that she would continue Biden's economic policies without regret or reflection. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also criticized Harris for doing a joint interview with her running mate Tim Walz, claiming that she could not handle interviews "by herself."
Kamala Harris Addresses Policy Shifts, Defends Biden, and Avoids Formal Press Conferences
By agreeing to the interview, Harris met her self-imposed deadline to schedule one by the end of August. However, it remains to be seen whether she will face increased pressure to hold additional interviews and participate in solo media interactions. The lack of formal press conferences has raised concerns among some commentators about her transparency and accountability.
