Amidst criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris not holding press conferences, MSNBC contributor Cornell Belcher argues that she needs to focus on talking directly to voters before her debate with former President Trump.
MSNBC contributor Cornell Belcher has come to the defense of Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to avoid press conferences, arguing that she should prioritize connecting with voters directly.
Belcher's comments come as Harris has drawn criticism for going over 30 days without taking a press conference or formal interview. However, Belcher believes that Harris's poll numbers, which have been rising, indicate that regular voters do not care as much about her lack of media exposure.
MSNBC Contributor Defends Vice President Kamala Harris Avoiding Press Interviews
"She's taking a conversation directly to people across the states, and the battleground states," Belcher said. "She's gonna do more press because, because she has to, but right now, it's really really important for her to be talking less to us and talking directly to those voters in those battleground states."
Other media figures have also defended Harris's decision to avoid press interviews. CNN's Erin Burnett questioned whether Harris would be better off ignoring interview requests, while MSNBC host Michael Steele argued that she may not need to talk to the press if she is reaching American voters effectively.
MSNBC Contributor Defends Vice President Kamala Harris Avoiding Press Interviews
"At what point do you say strategically, 'Why do I need to talk to you right now? I'm talking to the American people and we're having a conversation. You're happy to follow it and to report on it,'" Steele said.
Harris has not held a formal press conference since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July. Earlier this month, she spent less than two minutes taking questions from reporters outside an airport tarmac after a campaign event, promising to schedule an interview before the end of the month.
MSNBC Contributor Defends Vice President Kamala Harris Avoiding Press Interviews
However, she has been criticized for her lack of engagement with the press, particularly in comparison to President Trump, who holds regular press conferences and interviews. Critics argue that Harris is avoiding accountability and transparency by refusing to answer questions from reporters.
Despite the criticism, Belcher believes that Harris is making the right decision by focusing on connecting with voters directly. He argues that voters are more concerned with her policies and vision for the country than her media appearances.
"The truth of the matter is the regular voters actually don't care that much about her not getting interviews," Belcher said. "All this time, we've seen her poll numbers are rising."
Harris is expected to face former President Trump in a debate in September. It is unclear whether she will hold a press conference or interview before then.
