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Reporters Comment After PA Harris Event
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Reporters Comment After PA Harris Event

It seems the Kamala Harris campaign has stirred up a bit of controversy this week, and it's not just about politics. At a recent event featuring Democratic governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, reporters found themselves blocked from speaking to voters—a move that’s raised some eyebrows and sparked criticism.

The incident took place in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and it wasn’t long before journalists started speaking out about the unusual restrictions. AP reporter Steve Peoples took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to note, “Harris campaign is blocking reporters from talking to voters outside the press pen here at Whitmer/Shapiro event.” His frustration was echoed by Washington Post reporter Maeve Reston, who confirmed the situation, calling it “lame.”

For those who remember, Reston isn’t just any reporter—she’s had some history with Harris. Back in 2019, during Harris’s presidential campaign, Reston accompanied her on a shopping trip that made headlines for a lighthearted moment where Harris bought an oversized rainbow sequin jacket dubbed the “Mardi Gras Jacket.” The incident led to some criticisms about media impartiality, with some social media users questioning whether shopping with a presidential candidate is the best way to maintain objectivity.

But let’s dig deeper into the concerns about Harris and the press. This isn’t the first time the vice president has faced scrutiny over transparency and her approach to the First Amendment. When she served as California Attorney General, Harris enforced a controversial policy that required nonprofit organizations to disclose their donors to the state attorney general's office. This policy, which was continued by her successor Xavier Becerra, led to significant concerns over privacy and security. A trial revealed that the California AG’s office had failed to maintain the confidentiality of these sensitive donor lists, sparking outrage and legal challenges.

Harris’s reputation for being a tough boss has also been a topic of discussion. Reports from former staffers paint a picture of a demanding and sometimes difficult work environment. Descriptions of her management style include allegations of a "tyrannical" approach, with employees reportedly being discouraged from making direct eye contact and even standing at attention when she entered a room. A watchdog group, Open the Books, quantified this issue, revealing a staggering 92% staff turnover rate in Harris’s office over the past decade.

Adam Andrzejewski, CEO of Open the Books, didn’t mince words, stating that their findings “corroborate comments from former staffers that the vice president is difficult to work for.” It’s a revelation that might make some taxpayers question Harris’s leadership and management style.

And then there's Harris’s public speaking skills, which have also come under scrutiny. As The Economist pointed out, Harris has struggled with extemporaneous speaking—something that’s crucial in the world of politics. Her occasional awkward moments, including enthusiastic but sometimes meandering comments about topics like Venn diagrams, have made her the target of criticism and even mockery.

Written by Arthur Higgens - July 31, 2024