Harris Campaign Under Scrutiny for Lack of Engagement
- Vice President Kamala Harris has not conducted any interviews since becoming the presumptive presidential nominee.
- An analysis by Washington Free Beacon found that this makes her the least accessible candidate in years.
- Harris's lack of communication with the press is raising concerns among voters and political analysts.
As of August 5, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris has not conducted any interviews since becoming the presumptive nominee, a stark contrast to President Joe Biden's campaign in 2020, during which he managed two interviews in the same timeframe. Biden's approach, described by the New York Times as being "walled off from voters," still included some public engagement, while Harris's campaign has remained notably silent. Harris's campaign has reportedly shifted her stance on several key issues since her 2020 run. Campaign spokespeople have indicated that she no longer supports abolishing private health insurance, outlawing fracking, or defunding police departments, among other positions. However, Harris herself has not publicly addressed these changes, and her campaign has not responded to requests for comment regarding her current policy positions. In contrast, previous presidential candidates have actively engaged with the media during their campaigns. Former President Donald Trump conducted at least five interviews in the same period leading up to the 2020 election, including appearances on Fox News and Axios, where he faced challenging questions. Hillary Clinton also participated in multiple interviews, showcasing a more traditional approach to voter engagement. The lack of interviews and public discourse from Harris raises questions about her campaign strategy and voter outreach as the election approaches, especially in light of the more proactive engagement seen from past candidates.