Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has avoided holding formal press conferences for over 50 days, sparking criticism from media watchdogs and political analysts who argue that she is shirking her responsibility to be accountable to the public.
Vice President Kamala Harris has faced mounting criticism for her refusal to hold formal press conferences, a move that has raised concerns about her accountability and transparency as she seeks the highest office in the land.
Harris has gone 50 days since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee without facing reporters in an open and unscripted setting. Instead, she has opted for controlled interviews with friendly media outlets, such as CNN and ABC, where she has avoided tough questions.
Kamala Harris Ducks Press Conferences, Raising Concerns About Accountability and Transparency
Conservative influencers and media analysts have denounced Harris's avoidance of press conferences, arguing that it is a disservice to the American people. Tim Young, a conservative influencer, told Fox News Digital that "Americans have the right and need to know what her policy stances are."
"Anyone who wants to lead the free world should be able to handle questions from the press," Young continued. "If Kamala can't handle real questions from the press, she absolutely can't handle negotiations with foreign leaders."
Kamala Harris Ducks Press Conferences, Raising Concerns About Accountability and Transparency
During her CNN interview with Dana Bash, Harris faced softballs and avoided follow-up questions on key issues such as her policy flip-flops, her defense of President Biden's mental acuity, and her role in the last three-and-a-half years of the Biden administration.
Media watchdogs have argued that Harris is hiding from the press and refusing to engage in the free and open exchange of ideas that is essential for a healthy democracy. Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters, said that Harris "obviously owes it to the American people to hold free-wheeling press conferences where reporters can... ask follow-up questions."
Kamala Harris Ducks Press Conferences, Raising Concerns About Accountability and Transparency
"For every softball from, say, ABC or NPR, you'll hope a liberal journalist will show some courage to do the right thing," Houck told Fox News Digital.
Former President Trump has capitalized on Harris's reluctance to confront the media, holding several lengthy interviews and press conferences in recent weeks. The contrast in media availability has led to questions about whether Harris is up to the task of being president.
Kamala Harris Ducks Press Conferences, Raising Concerns About Accountability and Transparency
Fox News contributor Joe Concha predicted that Harris will avoid press conferences for the remaining 75 days of the campaign. Conservative Radio Libre host Jorge Bonilla echoed this sentiment, saying that Harris's avoidance of the press is "almost irrelevant" because she continues to get a pass from the media.
Harris's critics argue that her refusal to hold press conferences is a form of cherry-picking and that she is evading questions that could challenge her positions or expose inconsistencies in her record. They contend that she is more interested in controlling her message than engaging in open and honest dialogue.
As the race for the presidency heats up, the pressure on Harris to face the press and answer tough questions will only intensify. Her reluctance to engage in real-time, unscripted interviews raises serious doubts about her fitness for the office she seeks.
