Fox News host Sean Hannity criticizes the media for failing to hold Vice President Kamala Harris accountable, while a New York Times guest essay raises concerns about her lack of transparency with the press.
Vice President Kamala Harris's strategy of avoiding direct media engagement is drawing increasing scrutiny, with critics accusing her of dodging accountability and failing to address pressing issues facing the country.
Fox News host Sean Hannity has been particularly vocal about Harris's lack of transparency, accusing her of having "a lot to answer for" ahead of the 2024 election. Hannity argues that the media has a responsibility to challenge Harris and demand answers on important matters but has instead become an extension of her press office.
Kamala Harris' Media Avoidance Strategy Draws Criticism
"The media mob so far refuses to challenge Kamala Harris," Hannity said on his show. "They are just basically an extension of her press office."
Hannity's comments reflect a growing frustration among some observers who believe Harris is not being held accountable for her actions and is able to avoid difficult questions by limiting her interactions with the press.
Adding to this criticism is a recent guest essay published in the New York Times by Doyle McManus, the outlet's former L.A. bureau chief. In the essay, titled "The political cost of Kamala Harris not answering direct questions," McManus argues that Harris's reluctance to engage with reporters is hurting her politically.
McManus notes that Harris has not held a solo press conference since becoming vice president and has avoided answering questions from reporters at public events. He suggests that this strategy is backfiring, as it makes Harris appear unaccountable and inaccessible.
"It would go a long way for her to offer some direct and succinct answers to questions about her plans," McManus writes. "Each time she dodges a question, she sends the message that she is not up to the job."
The criticism of Harris's media avoidance strategy comes at a time when she is facing declining poll numbers and speculation about her future political prospects. Some Democrats have expressed concern that Harris's lack of engagement with the press could damage the party's chances in the 2024 election.
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, it remains to be seen whether Harris will adjust her media strategy. If she continues to avoid direct engagement with reporters, she risks further criticism and potentially jeopardizing her political future.
