Julie Chávez Rodríguez, the campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris, has dodged questions about whether the Democratic presidential nominee will hold a press conference. Harris has avoided speaking to the press for over a month since launching her presidential bid.
Julie Chávez Rodríguez, the campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris, has dodged questions about whether the Democratic presidential nominee would hold a press conference. Harris has avoided speaking to the press for over a month since launching her presidential bid.
On Thursday, Chávez Rodríguez was approached by Fox News Digital at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago and asked repeatedly if Harris would be holding a press conference. However, she ducked the questions and hurried away without responding.
Kamala Harris' Campaign Manager Ducks Questions on Press Conference
Harris officially announced her campaign on July 21, following President Biden's decision to drop out and endorse her as his successor. Since then, 33 days have passed without Harris holding a press conference or sitting down for a news interview.
Her campaign has remained silent on whether she will hold a press conference prior to the presidential election in 74 days. Early voting begins in just 14 days, meaning there are just two weeks before some voters can cast their ballots without hearing Harris answer difficult questions about her record and policy positions.
Kamala Harris' Campaign Manager Ducks Questions on Press Conference
Harris' campaign website is also devoid of any policy positions. She recently released an economic agenda, which featured a proposal for price controls in the food industry, which was heavily scrutinized. However, no new policy prescriptions were introduced during the DNC this week.
After being continuously pressed on when she would sit down for an interview, Harris told reporters earlier this month that she wants to get an interview on the schedule by the end of August. A campaign spokesperson repeated this on CNN, claiming last week that they would be doing a sit-down interview by the end of the month.
Kamala Harris' Campaign Manager Ducks Questions on Press Conference
However, no such interviews have been announced.
The lack of access to Harris on her presidential campaign could foreshadow what can be expected in terms of transparency out of a Harris and Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., administration.
Kamala Harris' Campaign Manager Ducks Questions on Press Conference
Former President Trump's campaign has used Harris' avoidance of the press as an opportunity to show contrast, holding frequent press conferences and taking questions from reporters. He has further challenged Harris to speak to the press herself.
Harris' lack of engagement with the press has also been criticized by some Democratic lawmakers. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., recently said that it is "imperative" for Harris to hold a press conference and answer questions from reporters.
Kamala Harris' Campaign Manager Ducks Questions on Press Conference
"She needs to answer to the public questions about her plans for the country," Phillips said. "She needs to answer questions about her record. She needs to answer questions about her policies."
It remains to be seen whether Harris will hold a press conference before the presidential election. However, her avoidance of the press thus far has raised concerns about her transparency and accountability to the American people.
