Staff Reports
Kamala Harris has finally decided to grace the American public with her presence in a formal interview. After months of dodging tough questions and enjoying a seemingly unending stream of fawning media support, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee is set to sit down with none other than CNN’s Dana Bash. While some might see this as a welcome opportunity to understand Harris and her running mate Tim Walz better, the circumstances surrounding the interview reveal a different story.
The arrangement of this CNN interview is telling. Rather than facing tough questioning in a traditional one-on-one format, Harris will have the coziness of Tim Walz at her side. One can only imagine the reasoning behind this tactical decision; it likely stems from the realization that Harris is far from a seasoned debater and could benefit from a safety net in case the conversation veers into challenging territory. It appears that the strategy here includes a generous dose of support from Walz, who can step in should Harris experience a moment of confusion – something she has been known to do.
Will CNN mute Walz’ mic so he can’t interrupt Harris?
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 27, 2024
In a twist that many might find amusing, just as the details of the interview were unfolding, media outlets reported that Harris’s campaign was soliciting input from reporters about whom she should interview with. It raises the question: is this really a candidate ready to face the American electorate, or someone too afraid to confront real questions and ideas? The need for input from the very media that has shown an unwavering allegiance to Harris suggests that her team is fully aware of her deficiencies—and that they are doing everything in their power to shore them up before the interview.
One might also question whether CNN will come through with an interrogation that befits the seriousness of a presidential candidate’s analysis. With an interviewer like Dana Bash, known for softening the blows against Democrat officials, it would not be surprising if the questions were handpicked to avoid putting Harris on the defensive. After all, one of the hallmarks of the mainstream media has been their willingness to serve as a friendly platform for Democratic talking points rather than a rigorous check on their narratives.
Interestingly, as part of the backdrop of this interview is the ABC News presidential debate, where the structure has already been shaped by former President Trump. With mic muting and other terms being high on the agenda, the notion of fairness is tinged with irony. Harris’s campaign has demonstrated a clear preference for a controlled environment—one that minimizes potential gaffes or missteps by keeping the mics on or off at convenient times.
Although skepticism is in order regarding the insights this CNN sit-down will bring forth about Harris and Walz, perhaps there might be some surprises in store. Nevertheless, if history is any indicator, it is unlikely that America will walk away with greater clarity regarding the Democratic platform or the candidates’ qualifications. Instead, viewers are more likely to witness another episode of the media’s unwavering allegiance to a party that often sidesteps accountability.
