MSNBC analyst Michael Steele criticized Democrats and the media for demanding more access to Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing that she is being treated unfairly compared to her 2024 opponent, former President Trump.
MSNBC analyst Michael Steele has launched a scathing attack on Democrats and the media, accusing them of hypocrisy in their treatment of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump regarding access to the press. Steele argued that Harris is being unfairly criticized for limiting her media appearances while Trump faces no such scrutiny.
"I don’t see Donald Trump doing sit-downs and press conferences with the mainstream media every week," Steele said during a recent interview on MSNBC. "So let’s stop — let’s hold her to the same standard we’re holding Donald Trump. Because Donald Trump is not giving you anything except a rally in which he dribbles and — and nods off and just goes off on — on tangents. And the press accepts that. And yet they look at her and say, ‘Well, how come you’re not, you know, giving us more of what we want?’ Well, as soon as you get it from Donald Trump, she’ll give it to you," the former RNC chairman continued.
Steele Blasts Media for Holding Harris to Different Standard Than Trump
Steele's comments highlight the significant disparity in media access between Harris and Trump. According to data, Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, have granted at least 63 interviews since the Harris-Walz ticket was formed, while Harris has given only 23 non-scripted interviews. Additionally, Harris has yet to hold a formal press conference since becoming the Democratic nominee, while Trump has held five since the beginning of September.
Some Democrats and media critics have expressed concern about Harris' limited media exposure, particularly as the election draws near. They argue that her reluctance to engage with the press could alienate voters who are still undecided about her candidacy. After the vice presidential debate, several media commentators noted that Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, appeared unprepared due to his low media profile.
Steele Blasts Media for Holding Harris to Different Standard Than Trump
Steele dismissed such concerns, arguing that Harris' cautious approach is justified. He attributed her limited media presence to the late timing of her selection as the Democratic nominee and the short time remaining until Election Day.
"At the end of the day, you’re talking 140 days to run a national presidential campaign. She’s got to be particular with the targets. If she had an extra 400 days, everybody would get touched in the mainstream media and in the Democratic Party. This is not the Hillary campaign of 2016, this is not Joe Biden’s campaign of 2020," he said.
Steele Blasts Media for Holding Harris to Different Standard Than Trump
Harris' campaign has defended its media strategy, stating that it is designed to effectively reach undecided voters. "Our task for the final stretch of this campaign is ensuring that [Harris'] winning vision reaches the undecided voters who will decide this election in places and ways that will actually reach them," said Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz.
Steele's criticism of the media and Democrats has sparked a heated debate about the fairness and consistency of press access standards in the 2024 presidential election. As the election nears its conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Harris' limited media exposure will have a significant impact on her chances of winning the presidency.
Steele Blasts Media for Holding Harris to Different Standard Than Trump
