Americans across the country are voicing their opinions on Vice President Kamala Harris’ continued shyness from the media since kicking off her presidential campaign 24 days ago.
Fox News Digital spoke with Americans in Washington, D.C., Del Rio, Texas, and Knoxville, Tennessee, about why Harris is employing that strategy and whether it’s important for her to speak to the press. Since emerging as President Biden’s nominee, Harris has declined interview opportunities and has not held a formal press conference, apart from brief meetings and private get-togethers with traveling reporters.
“I think she’s following Joe Biden’s lead and, if that’s possible, she’ll continue to hide in her basement until she’s kicked out,” David, of Knoxville, told Fox News Digital this week.
Asked if he thought she needed to do a serious interview, he asserted: “Of course. She should clarify her policies and what she plans to do in the future.”
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The American Nation spoke to Fox News Digital about Vice President Harris avoiding interviews since the start of her presidential campaign. (Fox News Digital)
Harris’s press avoidance has also come under increased scrutiny from liberal media in recent weeks. CNN host John Berman grilled Harris’ spokeswoman, Adrienne Elrod, this week, saying the candidate should make time for an interview or two. A Harris campaign spokesman chuckled Wednesday when CNN’s Jim Acosta questioned whether a press conference would take place.
The Washington Post Editorial Committee Harris on Sunday criticized her opponent, former President Trump, for shying away from the media, saying he was “at least answering questions.” The Washington Post said she should explain a number of policy changes, including on fracking, border security and health care.
Fergal, an Irish-born US citizen, shared his thoughts with Fox News on why Harris has avoided serious interviews: “She doesn’t seem to be very eloquent, in the way she speaks and whatnot. And what would she say in an interview? It’s not like she’s done a good job.”
He added that Harris “definitely” should be more transparent with the media, and “I don’t see why she wouldn’t.”
Chris, a Kamala Harris supporter from California who was visiting Washington DC, admitted to Fox News that he understood why people criticised Harris for avoiding the media.
“I think that’s a perfectly valid question. I think she should be interviewed more,” he said.
Diane, a Del Rio resident, said Harris’ secret strategy is to “try to get out the vote.”
“She hasn’t done anything for three and a half years, so why would she do this now?”
When asked if she should answer the question, Harris replied, “Of course! Of course. That’s how people get their news.”
Spencer, who lives in Tennessee, criticized Harris for her lack of transparency, saying, “I honestly think she’s really sneaky.”
“Transparency is something Americans arguably value more than other attributes,” he said.
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Vice President Harris has yet to hold a sit-down interview or press conference since launching her presidential campaign 24 days ago. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
“She doesn’t want anyone to know what her goals are, so she can change it at any time,” Mike, a Houston native who was visiting Washington, D.C., told Fox on Tuesday.
Asked if he thought she should hold a press conference, he replied: “Yes, I do. Maybe she’s waiting for the party conference, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“Maybe she’s holding back a little bit,” said Cooper, a Knoxville native who told Fox that he thinks “she” should be interviewed or at least participate in one debate against Trump.
“I think it’s best for the country to be as transparent and open as possible,” he added.
Fox News Digital also asked respondents if there was anything Harris could say or do to get or motivate people to vote.
“There’s no way I’d vote for her,” said David, of Knoxville, adding, “She’s too left wing.”
In Washington, Chris said he wanted Harris to take a “tougher stance” against foreign adversaries such as Russia and China.
“No matter what she says, I’m not voting for her,” declared Diane of Del Rio.
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“I’m voting for her because she’s not Trump,” John, a Washington state resident who is visiting Washington, D.C., told Fox.
