Staff Reports
Kamala Harris has become quite the elusive figure in the media landscape, especially since she secured her spot as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. It seems as though her avoidance tactics are starting to wear thin, even with reporters who are typically sympathetic to her cause. When it comes to interviews, Harris has stuck to a formula that can be described in one word: friendly. Naturally, this begs the question of whether she can handle even the gentle questions thrown her way.
In recent months, Harris has participated in a handful of interviews, all of which have offered her softballs that barely grazed her ego. Yet, even these cushy segments have revealed her struggles. When faced with the most straightforward inquiries, Harris often stumbles, leading her team to wall her off from more demanding engagements. It’s no wonder that seasoned journalists like Andrea Mitchell are calling for more serious interviews, sensing that Harris is fast losing traction, particularly with male voters.
SURPRISE!
Harris Will Appear in a Whirlwind of Interviews, Most of Them Friendly https://t.co/TReZ2JuTxp
— Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) October 6, 2024
The vice president’s campaign seems to be shifting gears as reports indicate she will be diving into a series of interviews on popular platforms leading up to the election. Shows like “The View,” Howard Stern’s radio show, and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” all notorious for their friendly banter, are on the agenda. Clearly, Harris is steering clear of any media outlets that might actually challenge her record or her increasingly complicated narrative.
It would be generous to call her recent appearances on shows hosted by enthusiastic supporters, like MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle, as anything other than strategic maneuvering. With hosts who have already endorsed her or President Biden, these media appearances serve more as ad buys than genuine interviews. This tactic may offer a temporary shield against tough questions, but it showcases a larger issue: Harris’s team knows she needs to keep her distance from anything resembling journalistic scrutiny.
While Harris’s media strategy echoes sentiments found in past campaigns, notably that of former President Donald Trump, it does raise eyebrows. Instead of adhering to traditional interview formats with mainstream media, she is leaning heavily into platforms while bypassing hard-hitting questions altogether. This approach may alleviate some immediate pressure, but with polling tightening and her numbers hovering over a potential crisis, this strategy risks backfiring.
With Harris doing her best to stay on friendly ground, one can only watch with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Just how effective will these soft interviews be in battling the looming shadow of Trump? While she may be attempting to put her best foot forward, the reality is that even in cushy settings, Harris has a well-documented knack for gaffes and word salads that could very well prove her undoing in front of the American people.
