Vice President Harris is inexperienced in national politics. Her poor decision making is proving this.
As Kamala Harris has made a supremely idiotic move that has Democrats everywhere pulling their hair out.
It’s been three weeks since Kamala Harris effectively launched her campaign for President in Joe Biden’s stead. Since then, there’s been next to nothing to show for it in the way of substance. She’s raised a whole bunch of money, but she hasn’t sat down in front of reporters to discuss issues facing American voters. She hasn’t been pressed on any policy positions.
This has been intentional. Some are wondering, though, if the goal is to literally have her be silent as long as possible, maybe even right up until the election. Is that possible? Could she actually do that? Even her Democrat allies are worried this could be the case as some are voicing concerns that she’s been too quiet and that time is running out the longer she refuses to do interviews without a script or a teleprompter.
Not only does it create the issue of voters not having any idea of what they are voting for in November, but it also creates the image like Harris is completely afraid of having to do a tough interview with real questions she isn’t prepared for.
In a recent discussion on CNN, a panel of commentators highlighted the growing concerns surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for their continued avoidance of media interviews since the launch of their campaign. The panel warned that the longer they remain silent, the more they risk appearing fearful and out of touch with voters.
Kamala Harris has not participated in any interviews since she officially launched her campaign on July 21, following President Joe Biden’s endorsement. Similarly, Tim Walz has refrained from interviews since being selected as Harris’ running mate recently. This strategy of media avoidance is drawing increasing scrutiny, not just from political opponents but from journalists as well.
CNN’s media correspondent, Hadas Gold, and political commentator S.E. Cupp, voiced their concerns on “CNN News Central,” suggesting that this strategy could backfire. Gold emphasized that the pressure is mounting, noting that it’s not only the Trump campaign that is criticizing Harris and Walz, but also reporters who are eager for answers. Gold referenced veteran journalist Ron Fournier, who described the lack of media engagement as “political malpractice,” warning that the criticism will only grow louder until Harris and Walz step up to address the media.
“The veteran former White House correspondent, Ron Fournier, he said that every day that she doesn’t talk to the media is what he called ‘political malpractice.’ And we’re going to hear this drumbeat growing more and more until she does finally sit down for an interview, and for right now, also, it’s an easy attack line for the Trump campaign to use,” Gold shared on the panel.
Fournier, who previously worked for The Associated Press, also told The Daily Beast that this behavior is “not good for democracy.” He criticized the apparent disdain for media engagement, suggesting it gives the impression that Harris and Walz believe they are above answering tough questions. Cupp echoed this sentiment, arguing that while the campaign may be operating on a tight timeline, it is essential for the candidates to face the media and prove they are not afraid to answer difficult questions. Cupp warned that the longer they wait, the more it will appear that they are fearful of scrutiny.
'Drumbeat Is Growing': CNN Panel Warns Longer Harris, Walz Duck Interviews, 'The More Scared They Look' pic.twitter.com/g17ByU0nqx
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 8, 2024
Adding to the conversation, CNN’s Van Jones stated that Harris’ reluctance to engage with the media “can’t last,” emphasizing that transparency and accountability are crucial for anyone running for the nation’s highest office. While visibility through rallies and public appearances is important, Jones noted that it is not a substitute for facing the media and answering questions about their records and agendas.
Cupp further elaborated that swing-state voters, in particular, are looking for concrete solutions to pressing issues, not just rhetoric. She pointed out that these undecided voters are crucial in determining the outcome of the election and that Harris and Walz need to clearly articulate their agenda and reconcile their past records with their proposed policies.
Walz’s progressive stance on issues like immigration and his support for policies like the “Trans Refuge Bill” in Minnesota, which allows the state to make custody decisions regarding minors seeking gender-affirming care, will likely come under intense scrutiny. Voters will want to know how these positions align with the broader Harris-Walz platform and what this means for the future of the country.
The CNN panel cautioned that Harris and Walz’s continued media silence is unsustainable and could harm their campaign. As the election draws nearer, the pressure to engage with the media and the public will only intensify, and their ability to address these concerns head-on will be critical to their success.
Clearly even Democrats are worried that they may be trying to insulate Kamala Harris too much. It was smart to shore up Democrat support in the early going to ensure there’s no potential hiccups in launching her campaign and becoming the defacto candidate to replace Joe Biden. Any trouble on that front would have been a disaster for the Democrats.
That stage is gone now, though. The Trump Derangement Syndrome voting bloc who wanted anyone other than Biden are already behind Harris. Meaning, she now has to pivot to make a play for voters in swing states and districts in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
It’s unlikely saying “I’m not Donald Trump and J.D. Vance is weird” is going to be enough to convince those voters who aren’t stupid and can remember that Harris is also responsible for the mess of the Biden administration of which she was the Vice President in.
Be sure to look out for more Conservatice Column updates on the 2024 election and more.
