Why Kamala Harris avoids media interviews?

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Jennifer Hicks
  • Update Time : Monday, August 26, 2024
Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has become a figure of intense scrutiny, not for her policies or speeches, but for her remarkable ability to avoid direct media engagement. Despite being one of the most prominent political figures in the country, Harris has consistently refused to sit down for substantive interviews, sparking criticism from various quarters. This avoidance has led to questions about the media’s role in shaping public perception and whether it has become a willing participant in shielding her from rigorous scrutiny.

The American media has long been accused of favoring certain political figures, but the coverage of Kamala Harris has taken this criticism to new heights. The Vice President has been the subject of glowing profiles, especially in major publications like Time magazine, which recently featured her on its cover with the caption “Her Moment.” However, despite this high-profile attention, Harris has been conspicuously absent from any serious interviews or press conferences, leaving many to question the authenticity of the media’s portrayal.

In a 3,000-word feature, Time magazine’s Charlotte Alter painted a picture of Harris as a rising political star, using effusive language to describe the atmosphere at her rallies. Alter’s article, titled “The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris,” compared the excitement at Harris’ events to that of a Beyoncé concert or Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Such comparisons, while colorful, do little to provide substance on Harris’ political track record or policy positions. Instead, they contribute to a narrative that elevates Harris based on charisma and image rather than tangible accomplishments.

Alter did briefly acknowledge the criticism surrounding Harris’ refusal to engage with the press, noting that the Vice President “has yet to do a single substantive interview or to explain her policy shifts.” This admission, however, was buried in a piece otherwise filled with flattering descriptions and praise. The article failed to challenge Harris on any significant issues, leaving readers with a one-sided view of a politician who has managed to avoid the traditional vetting process by the media.

The contrast between the media’s treatment of Kamala Harris and other political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump, is stark. While Harris has been largely shielded from tough questions, Trump has been subjected to intense scrutiny and probing interviews. For example, in a recent *Time* magazine interview, Trump was grilled on a range of contentious topics, including the January 6 insurrection, his legal battles, and his controversial remarks about the deep state. The interview was exhaustive, with the journalist asking Trump dozens of difficult questions over an 83-minute read.

This discrepancy in media coverage raises questions about fairness and journalistic integrity. Why does the media seem so willing to give Harris a pass while holding other politicians to a much higher standard? Some argue that this double standard reflects a broader bias within the media, which has become increasingly aligned with the Democratic Party. By failing to subject Harris to the same level of scrutiny as her counterparts, the media risks eroding public trust and its role as a watchdog in a healthy democracy.

Kamala Harris’ reluctance to engage with the media has not gone unnoticed by her critics. Many believe that her avoidance of interviews and press conferences is a deliberate strategy to protect her from the scrutiny that could reveal her weaknesses as a candidate. Harris has been criticized for her inability to articulate complex ideas clearly, often resorting to what some have called “word salads” when speaking without a script. This has led to speculation that Harris is aware of her limitations and is deliberately staying out of the spotlight to avoid exposing them.

This strategy, however, is not without risks. In a democracy, the media serves as a critical intermediary between politicians and the public. Through interviews and press conferences, journalists have the opportunity to ask tough questions and hold politicians accountable. When a political figure like Harris avoids this process, it deprives the public of the information they need to make informed decisions. Moreover, it raises questions about the candidate’s fitness for office. If Harris cannot withstand the rigors of a press interview, how can she be expected to handle the pressures of the presidency?

The Democratic Party’s decision to replace Joe Biden with Harris on the presidential ticket at the last minute has only fueled these concerns. Many observers believe that the party is trying to shield Harris from scrutiny by limiting her exposure to the public. By minimizing the time she spends in the public eye, the Democrats may be hoping to avoid the kind of backlash that could arise if voters were given more time to assess her capabilities.

The media’s role in shaping public perception cannot be understated. As journalist Glenn Greenwald pointed out, the way the media has transformed Kamala Harris from a struggling candidate with low approval ratings into a political powerhouse is a testament to the power of propaganda. Through selective coverage and positive spin, the media has the ability to turn even the most mediocre politicians into stars.

This phenomenon was evident during the 2020 presidential campaign when the media overwhelmingly portrayed Joe Biden as sharp and capable, despite his often lackluster debate performances. The same media apparatus that built up Biden is now working to do the same for Harris, even if it means glossing over her flaws and avoiding tough questions.

The upcoming debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on September 10 will be a critical moment for the Vice President. For the first time, Harris will be forced to engage in a direct, unscripted exchange with one of her most vocal critics. This debate will provide a rare opportunity for the public to see Harris in a setting where she cannot rely on carefully crafted speeches or the protective shield of a friendly media.

Whether Harris can rise to the occasion remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the media’s role in shaping her image has set the stage for what could be a defining moment in her political career. The American public will be watching closely to see if Harris can prove herself as a capable leader or if she will falter under the pressure.

In the end, the media’s handling of Kamala Harris’ candidacy raises important questions about its role in a democracy. When the media fails to hold politicians accountable, it undermines the very principles it is supposed to uphold. As the 2024 election approaches, voters must remain vigilant and demand that all candidates, regardless of their party affiliation, be subjected to the same level of scrutiny. The future of the United States depends on it.

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Avatar photo Jennifer Hicks is a columnist and political commentator writing on a large range of topics.

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