Kamala Agrees To Interview
This week, Vice President Kamala Harris is finally stepping back into the spotlight for a much-anticipated interview, nearly 40 days after being thrust into the role of the Democratic presidential nominee.
Joining her will be Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her running mate, in what’s set to be their first formal interview together since President Joe Biden exited the 2024 race. The interview, hosted by CNN's Dana Bash, will air on Thursday at 9:00 p.m. ET, and it looks like it’s going to be pre-taped—a detail that’s already sparking some chatter.
Now, let’s break down what’s been happening. Harris has been under fire for her extended silence since becoming the de facto nominee. Critics, especially from the Trump campaign, have accused her of dodging the media, refusing to hold a press conference, and avoiding tough questions.
The Trump campaign even took to social media, calling out Harris for needing to share the interview with her running mate and for opting for a taped segment, suggesting it’s a strategy to allow time for damage control.
After over a month of not doing an interview, Harris' big sit-down will be with superfan Dana Bash and it won't even be solo.
What a pathetic candidate.
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) August 27, 2024
Dana Bash, the CNN anchor conducting the interview, has also been a target of criticism, mainly from conservative circles. She’s been accused of giving Democrats an easy ride, with her coverage of recent events like the Afghanistan withdrawal and her praise for President Biden drawing particular ire. Trump’s supporters have been vocal about their belief that Harris’ media avoidance is due to her inability to handle tough questions—a narrative that’s only fueled by her previous awkward interview moments.
Speaking of past interviews, Harris has had her fair share of challenging exchanges that have made headlines. One of the most memorable was in 2021, during an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, where she was pressed about her lack of visits to the southern border despite being tasked with addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.
Her response, “And I haven’t been to Europe. And I mean, I don’t – I don’t understand the point that you’re making,” became a widely discussed moment, leading to more scrutiny of her ability to handle difficult topics.
As for the upcoming interview, many are watching closely to see how Harris will perform alongside Walz. Trump has already hinted at potential debates with Harris, questioning her debating skills and suggesting she might not be up to the challenge. He’s been vocal about his readiness to engage with the media, contrasting it with Harris’ perceived reluctance.