Vice President Kamala Harris has avoided formal press conferences for 86 days as the Democratic nominee, prompting criticism from both conservative and liberal commentators.
Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn criticism for her unconventional media strategy, which has seen her avoid formal press conferences for 86 days as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Harris's lack of press conferences has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump, who held six news conferences since the beginning of August, including one this month to discuss hurricane relief efforts with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. President Joe Biden has also held a news conference in the White House press briefing room earlier this month.
Kamala Harris's Evasive Media Strategy: A Presumptive Nominee Without a Press Conference
Harris's supporters argue that she has been engaging with the media through other means, such as radio interviews, TV appearances, and friendly appearances with hosts like "The View," Stephen Colbert, and Howard Stern. However, critics argue that these appearances are carefully controlled and do not provide the same level of accountability as a formal press conference.
Conservative Radio Libre host Jorge Bonilla said Harris should hold a press conference but acknowledged that it may be "irrelevant" because the media has "enabled and encouraged" her "plexiglass basement" strategy, which keeps her out of reach of the press.
Kamala Harris's Evasive Media Strategy: A Presumptive Nominee Without a Press Conference
Harris's interview with Philadelphia's 6 ABC, in which she cited her middle-class upbringing when asked about her economic policies, drew sharp criticism. She said, "I grew up in a neighborhood of folks who were very proud of their lawn," and that she believes "all people deserve dignity" and "access to the resources that can help them fuel their dreams and ambitions."
Critics argued that Harris's response was evasive and did not provide specific details on her economic plans. Author Cokie Roberts said that former news anchor Barbara Walters would have expected Harris to do interviews as part of her job as president.
Kamala Harris's Evasive Media Strategy: A Presumptive Nominee Without a Press Conference
Paul Steinhauser of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
