Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 13 days without holding a formal press conference since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, sparking criticism from opponents and media observers alike.
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Kamala Harris Fails to Hold Formal Press Conference, Raising Questions About Her Communication Skills
Vice President Kamala Harris's prolonged absence from formal press conferences has raised concerns among critics and media observers, who question whether she is adequately engaging with the public and facing tough questions. Despite becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee on July 22, Harris has yet to hold a press conference or conduct a wide-ranging interview, opting instead for brief appearances and informal chats with reporters.
This has drawn comparisons to the campaign strategy of former President Joe Biden, who was accused of hiding in his basement and avoiding press scrutiny during the 2020 election. Conservative pundits, including Noah Rothman and Ben Shapiro, have criticized Harris for not answering challenging questions from the media. NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham predicts that Harris will follow Biden's lead and continue to avoid direct interaction with the press.
Kamala Harris Fails to Hold Formal Press Conference, Raising Questions About Her Communication Skills
Some analysts believe that the Harris campaign is aware of her weaknesses in unscripted settings and is trying to protect her from potentially damaging questions. DePauw University media studies professor Jeffrey McCall suggests that Harris's supporters are content with her lack of accountability and do not expect her to defend her positions.
However, McCall also argues that Harris will eventually need to face the media and demonstrate her ability to handle tough questions if she wants to attract moderate and undecided voters. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin on August 19 in Chicago, which may provide an opportunity for Harris to address the concerns raised by her critics.
Kamala Harris Fails to Hold Formal Press Conference, Raising Questions About Her Communication Skills
Harris has made brief appearances at events and spoken to reporters on occasion, but these interactions have been limited and have not allowed for in-depth questioning. Her supporters have defended her absence from formal press conferences, arguing that she is focusing on her duties as Vice President and preparing for the upcoming campaign.
Critics, however, contend that Harris's avoidance of media scrutiny is a sign of weakness and a lack of transparency. They argue that the American public deserves to hear directly from the presumptive Democratic nominee and have their questions answered.
As the presidential election draws closer, the pressure on Harris to engage with the media will likely increase. Her ability to handle tough questions and demonstrate her readiness for the presidency will be a key factor in determining her chances of success.
