Vice President Kamala Harris has not engaged in a formal press conference since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, raising questions about her media strategy.

Harris was declared the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee 16 days ago, following a surprising endorsement from President Biden, yet she has curiously avoided granting any sort of press conference or availability for media questions, as Fox News reports.

Shortly after Biden's nod, Harris officially clinched the party's nomination last week. Despite her active presence on the campaign trail and participation in various events, she has notably avoided any formal press conferences during this period.

Comparisons Drawn Between Biden's 2020 Campaign and Harris's Current Strategy

Harris's strategy mirrors the low-profile approach President Biden adopted during his 2020 campaign.

This has not gone unnoticed by critics who highlight her absence from the sort of rigorous media scrutiny they argue is essential for a presidential candidate.

The vice president also missed attending the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, an event at which former President Trump engaged directly with the media and public through a question-and-answer session.

Instead, Harris made a brief appearance at Joint Base Andrews to welcome Americans who were freed from Russia, sidestepping an opportunity for broader media interaction at the journalists' convention.

Anticipation Builds Around Running Mate Announcement

Amid the growing curiosity about her avoidance of the press, Harris announced her choice for vice president on Tuesday. She appeared with running mate Tim Walz at a rally in Philadelphia, sparking further interest and speculation.

This upcoming announcement was pivotal as it marked a significant moment in her campaign, aligning with expectations set by her supporters and the broader Democratic Party.

The support from the party was swift following Biden's endorsement, with numerous governors, senators, and party leaders rallying behind Harris, confirming her as the party's leader moving forward.

Media and Public Scrutiny Intensifies as Convention Approaches

As the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to begin later this month in Chicago draws closer, the scrutiny of Harris's approach to media engagement intensifies. Critics continue to emphasize the need for Harris to step forward and engage more directly with the press.

Noah Rothman of National Review questions, "When is Kamala Harris going to hold a press conference?" He stresses the importance of such exposure for a candidate, implying that Harris must undertake this challenge soon.

Tim Graham from NewsBusters adds, "Kamala Harris should absolutely hold a press conference, especially when she names her vice-presidential pick."

He notes the pattern of avoidance similar to Biden's past campaign strategy, suggesting a possible repetition of the "Biden basement campaign."

Experts Weigh in on Strategic Implications of Harris's Media Approach

Jeffrey McCall, a media studies professor at DePauw University, provides a critical view of Harris's media strategy.

He mentions, "The Harris camp is also well aware that their candidate doesn't do well in unscripted settings, not to mention that a presser would require her to defend her positions and record."

McCall argues that while the avoidance might seem beneficial rhetorically, it is essential for Harris to conduct real journalistic interviews to attract moderate and undecided voters.

These critiques come at a time when the Democratic Party is rallying its base and aiming to broaden its appeal ahead of the upcoming election, making Harris’s media engagement strategy a focal point of discussion.