Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to hold a formal press conference since being declared the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. This notable silence has now stretched to 15 days, sparking criticism and concern from various political observers and commentators. Harris secured the nomination on July 22 after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, rapidly gaining the support of Democratic delegates.
Despite participating in several public events and delivering speeches, Harris has avoided the kind of comprehensive press engagement that typically accompanies such a high-profile candidacy. This includes skipping the National Association of Black Journalists convention, a forum where former President Donald Trump made headlines with his direct and confrontational style.
It's been 15 days since Democrat elites installed Kamala as their nominee.
She's refused to do a single interview, speak without teleprompter, or lay-out an agenda.
We're facing a recession & all she does is campaign-on "brat," "weird" & platitudes.
We need serious leadership. pic.twitter.com/aJR7EPSsRQ
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) August 5, 2024
Critics argue that Harris is following a strategy similar to Biden's 2020 campaign approach, where he was often accused of avoiding the press. Conservative commentators have been particularly vocal, with Ben Shapiro highlighting that Harris has not faced a single difficult question since her nomination. Tim Graham from NewsBusters anticipates that Harris will continue to limit her media exposure, mirroring Biden’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This media strategy has prompted speculation about Harris’s ability to handle unscripted interactions and defend her political record. Political analyst Jeffrey McCall suggests that the Harris campaign is aware of the risks posed by unscripted settings, which might explain her reluctance to hold press conferences.
Congress Woman Anna Paulina went OFF on Kamala Harris for promoting child unification with Child Sex
Traffickers. Kamala of course ran away!This all makes sense now with 85,000 Missing Children. @RepLuna pic.twitter.com/ymYY7CteNy
— ProudKentuckyGirl* (@Jillybean_502) August 2, 2024
McCall notes that such controlled appearances can help avoid potential gaffes but also reflect a lack of confidence in engaging with the media.
Supporters argue that Harris’s focus on campaign events and selective media engagements is a strategic decision, aimed at controlling the narrative and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls. However, detractors assert that this approach undermines transparency and accountability, essential qualities for a presidential candidate.
Moreover, the issue of border security remains a contentious topic. Harris, who was appointed by Biden to address the border crisis, has faced ongoing criticism for her handling of the situation. With migrant encounters reaching record highs, the vice president’s role has been scrutinized, adding pressure for her to address these concerns in a more direct and public manner.
The ongoing silence has not gone unnoticed within her party either. While many Democrats have rallied behind her candidacy, there is growing unease about her ability to handle the scrutiny that comes with a presidential campaign. The upcoming Democratic National Convention will be a critical moment for Harris to potentially address these concerns and solidify her position as the party’s leader heading into the 2024 election.
Kamala Can Not Put Two Sentences Together. She Has Always Been Living off The Taxpayers, but Has Accomplished Nothing But Destruction While VP. She is Afraid To Debate trump and is Avoiding the Media Just Likeiden Hid In His Basement.