It’s now been 72 days since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the Democratic nominee for Vice President, yet she has not held a formal press conference. This fact has not gone unnoticed and is becoming an increasingly discussed point among political analysts and critics.
Senator Harris, who was chosen by Joe Biden as his running mate on August 11, 2020, has participated in interviews and various campaign events, but the absence of a formal press conference raises questions about media strategy and public accountability. Formal press conferences are a venue where journalists from various outlets can ask a range of questions, often delving into matters of policy and current issues beyond the controlled environment of pre-scheduled interviews.
Criticism is coming from different corners of the political sphere. Some argue that Harris’s avoidance of a press conference might be a tactical move to limit potential missteps or gaffes that could be detrimental to the campaign in a highly polarized political environment. Others opine it could be an effort to shield the candidate from hostile questioning or the risk of off-script moments.
On the other hand, defenders of the Biden-Harris campaign point out that Harris has been highly visible in other formats. For instance, she has participated in numerous televised interviews, virtual town halls, and has been active on social media channels. They argue that these engagements allow her to communicate directly with voters in a manner that is more controlled and effective than traditional press conferences.
The campaign has also indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way candidates engage with the media and the public. The restrictions on gatherings and the push for social distancing make traditional press conferences less practical, they argue. However, critics counter that other politicians, including President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, have continued to hold press conferences during the pandemic, adapting to the new norms.
This debate over Harris’s media engagements comes at a crucial time. With the election drawing near, every action—or inaction—is heavily scrutinized. Voters want transparency and direct answers to pressing issues. Formal press conferences are seen as an essential part of this democratic process.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming presidential election, how Senator Harris decides to navigate her relationship with the press will be telling. Will she eventually hold a formal press conference to address the myriad of questions from journalists, or will the Biden-Harris campaign continue to rely on more controlled forms of communication? Only time will tell how this strategy will be received by the American electorate.
