Vice President Kamala Harris has been the official Democratic nominee for president for 94 days but has not yet held a formal press conference. This stands in contrast to former President Trump, who has held six news conferences since August. President Biden has also held a news conference earlier this month in the White House press briefing room. Harris recently did an informal gaggle with media members in Michigan and appeared on Fox News for an interview with chief political anchor Bret Baier in Pennsylvania. Despite increasing interviews in recent weeks, including radio hits and appearances on shows like “The View,” Harris has not committed to a formal press conference as a candidate.
Conservative Radio Libre host Jorge Bonilla believes that Harris should hold a press conference but suggests that it may be irrelevant as she continues to avoid tough questions. Bonilla claims that the media has allowed Harris to maintain an illusion of accessibility while remaining inaccessible and unaccountable. In a similar vein, former President Trump has dodged some potential interviews but made an appearance at the Al Smith dinner, which Harris opted out of, sending a video message instead.
Harris faced controversy this month after an interview on “60 Minutes” where the editing of her response to a question about Israel has raised questions. A preview of the interview aired one portion of her answer, but a different part was shown during the actual special. Despite these challenges, Harris has been actively engaging in various media appearances and interviews, showing a willingness to connect with the public through these platforms.
Overall, while Harris has yet to hold a formal press conference, her engagement with the media through interviews and appearances reflects a strategic approach to communication and public relations. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Harris’s interactions with the media will likely play a crucial role in shaping her public image and communicating her policy priorities to the American people.