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GOP Criticizes Kamala Harris's Pattern of Media Avoidance

 August 10, 2024

The Republican National Committee and Sen. JD Vance have raised concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris's absence from press conferences and her avoidance of interviews since she became the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.

Harris has faced criticism for avoiding direct engagement with the press, despite holding regular, though highly scripted, public appearances, as Breitbart reports.

Since Harris succeeded President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party's candidate, the RNC and Vance have repeatedly called out her lack of direct media interaction. The RNC Research team noted that she had not participated in a single press conference or interview for 19 days following her new role.

Identical Speeches in Different Cities

Alongside her media avoidance, Harris has drawn scrutiny for delivering nearly identical speeches across various cities, including Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Detroit. Critics argue that this approach underscores her reluctance to speak off-script.

In each city, Harris recited similar narratives about her experience in various public service roles. She stressed her background as vice president, U.S. senator, California attorney general, San Francisco district attorney, and courtroom prosecutor.

Statements such as confronting individuals who misused their power, committed fraud, or violated laws for personal gain were constants in her speeches. This repeated rhetoric has fueled new claims of her avoidance of spontaneous media questioning.

Comparisons with Trump's Media Strategy

On Thursday, Vance pointed out former President Donald Trump's contrasting approach to dealing with the press. Trump has been actively engaging with reporters, while Harris has remained distant.

To emphasize this disparity, Vance coined the hashtag #wheresKamala, reflecting concerns over her media absence. This digital campaign underscored the gap between her and Trump’s willingness to answer media queries.

Vance's Statements

Vance didn’t hold back in his critique, stating, “President Trump is taking questions from reporters as Kamala Harris hides behind a teleprompter. It’s been 18 days since she answered real questions from the media.”

He added that while Harris performs adequately with prepared speeches, her capability falters when unscripted. According to Vance, her reluctance to face unprepared questions reveals her lack of readiness and flawed policy knowledge.

“She’s fine if you put her in front of the teleprompter and tell her what to say. But she actually has to answer questions based purely on her own knowledge and interest in policy. Then it becomes a bit of a disaster,” Vance said.

Harris's Readiness for Presidency Questioned

Vance continued, “I think when she does go out and talk to people, the fact that she’s not ready to be president is obvious for all to see.” He reiterated that Harris's strategy of evading the media might shield her from revealing her unpreparedness and inadequate policies.

Harris’s campaign has reportedly declined to provide a timeline for when she will start engaging with the media. This evasiveness continues to fuel speculation and criticism.

Calls for Transparency

The RNC and Vance are pushing for increased transparency and direct communication from Harris. They argue that as a presidential candidate, direct interaction with the press is crucial for voters to make informed decisions.

The continuous repetition of her speeches, coupled with the absence of dynamic media interaction, sparks further criticism. Critics argue that voters deserve to see how she handles unscripted situations.

The Bigger Picture

Harris’s media strategy is now a focal point for her critics. As a high-profile candidate, her approach—or lack thereof—raises questions about her readiness and the strength of her campaign.

While her public appearances continue, the content has remained static. Repetitive narratives only amplify concerns about her unwillingness to engage in dynamic discussions.

Next Steps for the Campaign

Going forward, it remains uncertain whether Harris will adjust her strategy to mitigate these criticisms. Engaging with the press could provide her with an opportunity to address concerns directly.

For now, the scrutiny from both the RNC and Vance highlights a significant area of contention within the campaign. The public and political analysts alike await Harris's response to this growing concern.

In summary, the Republican National Committee and Senator JD Vance have criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for avoiding the media since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate. Despite frequent public appearances, Harris's repeated use of prepared speeches and avoidance of spontaneous media interactions have increased scrutiny and raised questions about her readiness and policy knowledge.