The New York Times editorial board has called on Vice President Kamala Harris to improve her media engagement and subject herself to rigorous scrutiny as she becomes the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
The New York Times editorial board has urged Vice President Kamala Harris to "do better" than her former running mate, President Biden, when it comes to fielding questions from reporters and engaging with the media.
The editorial board's plea followed Vice President Harris' swift ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Biden announced his exit from the 2024 race. However, the Vice President has yet to grant an interview or subject herself to the level of scrutiny that typically accompanies presidential candidacies.
Kamala Harris' Presidential Ambitions Face Scrutiny from New York Times
The Times praised the initial rollout of the Harris campaign as showing "promising signs" of positive change. However, it emphasized the need for the Vice President to engage more fully with the media and allow for close examination of her qualifications and plans.
The editorial board specifically called on Ms. Harris to challenge former President Trump to a series of debates or town halls on critical issues. It also insisted that both candidates must start taking questions from reporters.
Kamala Harris' Presidential Ambitions Face Scrutiny from New York Times
The Times noted that engaging with voters is particularly important for Ms. Harris because she would be the first major-party presidential candidate in modern history to bypass the state primary process. This process typically provides voters with an opportunity to assess candidates and ask questions about the issues that matter most to their communities.
The editorial board emphasized the importance of good leadership involving speaking, listening, welcoming scrutiny, and accepting responsibility. It urged Ms. Harris to demonstrate that she possesses these qualities and deserves the nation's support.
Kamala Harris' Presidential Ambitions Face Scrutiny from New York Times
The Times has long been critical of President Biden's lack of media availability during his time in office. In April, the editorial board called out Biden for "avoiding interviews and questions from major news organizations" in a scathing piece. The paper also called on the president to drop out of the race following his disastrous debate performance last month.
Harris has received jubilant media coverage since she began to ascend to the top of the Democratic ticket. However, she has yet to grant an interview despite becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Kamala Harris' Presidential Ambitions Face Scrutiny from New York Times
The editorial board's call for Ms. Harris to engage with the media and subject herself to scrutiny highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the presidential election process. It remains to be seen whether the Vice President will heed the advice of the Times and demonstrate the qualities of a leader who deserves the nation's support.
