Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Mayor of Atlanta, stated on Friday that Vice President Kamala Harris’s limited media appearances are due to her busy schedule. Harris is set to have the fewest interviews of any major party presidential nominee.
Since President Biden’s re-election bid ended on July 21, Harris has participated in only six sit-down interviews, drawing criticism from both supporters and detractors.
Bottoms, a senior adviser for the Harris-Walz campaign, addressed the vice president’s infrequent media interactions during CNN’s ‘The Lead with Jake Tapper.’ She emphasised Harris’s demanding responsibilities, saying, “She’s the vice president as well as a candidate.”
According to Bottoms, Harris effectively communicates her policy positions through scripted campaign events rather than traditional interviews. “We heard her today talk about her views on these policies,” Bottoms noted. “It may not be in the format that the media would like, but we heard her today in Georgia discuss her stance on reproductive freedom.”
Why #KamalaHarris Is Restricting Interviews, Advisor Explainshttps://t.co/HSPggSEAyY
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 21, 2024
Harris’s first one-on-one interview since replacing Biden on the Democratic ticket occurred nearly a month after the endorsement from Biden. She was accompanied by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on 29 August.
In addition, Harris has been interviewed by Philadelphia’s ABC station, Spanish-language radio host Chiquibaby, and a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) gathering. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has conducted at least three times as many interviews in the same timeframe, including a lengthy conversation with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on X Spaces.
Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, frequently appears on Sunday morning network public affairs programmes.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Vox reported that Kamala Harris’s avoidance of press interactions reflects a cautious strategy to mitigate risks. However, this approach may hinder her ability to connect with voters and demonstrate transparency. (Read more)
- NBC News reported that Harris’s gradual increase in media engagement is a response to mounting criticism. Her campaign must balance controlled messaging with the need for greater visibility among undecided voters. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why has Kamala Harris done so few media interviews?
Keisha Lance Bottoms argues Harris is ‘very busy’ as vice president and candidate.
How many sitdown interviews has Kamala Harris given since July 21?
Kamala Harris has given just six sitdown interviews.
Who is Keisha Lance Bottoms?
Keisha Lance Bottoms is a senior adviser for the Harris-Walz campaign.
How does Kamala Harris communicate her policy positions?
Harris articulates her policies through scripted campaign rallies.
Who has done more interviews, Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?
Donald Trump has done at least three times as many interviews as Kamala Harris.
