Vice President Kamala Harris' recent solo interview has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics likening her performance to President Biden's often-maligned press appearances.
Since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president 55 days ago, Vice President Kamala Harris has faced pressure to hold an official press conference. After weeks of stonewalling, she finally broke her interview drought last month in Georgia alongside running mate Tim Walz for a pre-taped piece with CNN's Dana Bash. However, this fell short of a traditional press conference.
On Friday, Harris granted her first solo television interview as the Democratic nominee in Philadelphia. While she received mixed reviews for her appearance with Bash, where she had Walz for support, her recent interview in Philadelphia drew sharp criticism.
Kamala Harris' Solo Interview Flop Sparks Comparisons to Biden
When asked about specifics of her economic policy, Harris cited her middle-class upbringing, a response that was met with derision. "You know, I grew up in a neighborhood of folks who were very proud of their lawn," she said. "And I was raised to believe and to know that all people deserve dignity, and that we as Americans have a beautiful character. You know, we have ambitions and aspirations and dreams, but not everyone necessarily has access to the resources that can help them fuel those dreams and ambitions. So when I talk about building an opportunity economy, it is very much with the mind of investing in the ambitions and aspirations and the incredible work ethic of the American people and creating opportunity for people, for example, to start a small business."
Harris' interview performance has sparked comparisons to President Biden's often-maligned press appearances. Biden has been criticized for his frequent gaffes and his reluctance to answer questions directly. Some critics have suggested that Harris' interview was an attempt to emulate Biden's style, which they believe is perceived as more relatable by voters.
Kamala Harris' Solo Interview Flop Sparks Comparisons to Biden
However, others have argued that Harris' interview was simply a poor performance. They point to her lack of preparation and her inability to articulate her policy positions clearly. They also note that Harris has a history of making gaffes, which may have contributed to her poor showing in the interview.
It remains to be seen how Harris' interview performance will impact her chances in the 2024 election. However, it is clear that she needs to improve her interview skills if she wants to be a credible contender for the presidency.
Kamala Harris' Solo Interview Flop Sparks Comparisons to Biden
Conservative Radio Libre host Jorge Bonilla believes that Harris is highly unlikely to hold a press conference because the media have enabled and encouraged her "plexiglass basement" strategy, wherein she preserves the illusion of being out there while remaining wholly inaccessible to the press and therefore unaccountable.
"She is highly unlikely to do a press conference because the media have enabled and encouraged her ‘plexiglass basement’ strategy, wherein she preserves the illusion of being out there while remaining wholly inaccessible to the press and therefore unaccountable," Bonilla told Fox News Digital.
Harris has avoided holding formal press conferences since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, opting instead for pre-taped interviews and other controlled settings. This has led to accusations that she is dodging accountability and avoiding tough questions.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has sought to highlight the contrast in media availability between the two candidates. Trump has sat for several lengthy interviews in recent weeks, in addition to his three news conferences.
Trump held his third news conference since the beginning of August on Friday in California, taking the opportunity to roast his opponent's home state and hold forth on a number of topics, including crime, immigration, and inflation.
Harris' handling of the media has drawn comparisons to Biden's. Biden has also been criticized for limiting his availability to the press. However, Biden has held more formal press conferences than Harris, including a solo press conference in March.
It remains to be seen how Harris' media strategy will impact her chances in the 2024 election. However, it is clear that she needs to improve her interview skills and become more accessible to the press if she wants to be a credible contender for the presidency.
