Vice President Kamala Harris is set to participate in her first formal interview as the 2024 presidential candidate, marking a significant moment in her campaign, and the sit-down scheduled to be conducted by CNN’s Dana Bash, will include running mate Tim Walz.

The announcement of Harris’s interview has sparked a wave of criticism online, with many blasting her decision to have Walz participate and questioning her leadership capacity, as Fox News reports.

Critics argue that the inclusion of Walz in what could have been Harris’s first big solo moment indicates a lack of confidence in her ability to manage an interview without assistance.

Criticism Arises Over Harris's Dependence on Running Mate

The decision to have Walz join Harris in her first formal sit-down interview has not gone unnoticed. Some see this as an admission of Harris’s reluctance or inability to face the media alone.

The interview with Bash will be taped and broadcast the same night, but the format has drawn scrutiny from various corners of the internet.

Commentary has been swift and sharp. Abigail Jackson, a vocal critic, questioned Harris’s preparedness for the presidency, noting that a candidate for commander-in-chief should be able to handle press engagements solo. "Kamala needs to do a live, unedited, solo press conference," Jackson remarked, highlighting the concerns surrounding Harris's capacity to take the reins fully.

Public Reaction to Harris Interview Format

The online response to the interview announcement has been overwhelmingly critical. Sean Davis, a prominent commentator, likened Harris’s situation to that of President Biden, suggesting that both politicians rely heavily on support to navigate public appearances.

"Joe Biden can’t get into a car or up a flight of stairs without a handler, and apparently Kamala Harris can’t even talk to a CNN reporter by herself," Davis wrote, labeling the situation as "embarrassing."

Other critics, such as Jeff Behar, pointed to the joint nature of the interview as evidence that Harris "simply cannot be left unattended." Behar even referred to Walz as Harris's "emotional support midwesterner," implying that his presence was more for Harris's comfort than strategic value.

Calls for Unedited and Solo Press Interactions

As the debate over Harris's interview choice continues, some voices in the media are calling for greater transparency. Steve Guest demanded that the entire interview be released unedited, echoing the concerns of others who feel that a controlled, pre-recorded setting does not adequately test Harris's abilities as a presidential candidate.

Moreover, political analyst Dan Schneider criticized the media's role in this situation, accusing them of failing to hold Harris accountable.

He argued that the media should push Harris into holding an actual press conference, rather than allowing her to engage in what he described as a "fake interview" with a sympathetic interviewer. Schneider suggested that until Harris steps up to the plate, she is behaving more like "an entertainer seeking stardom" than a serious candidate for public office.

Debate Over Harris's Leadership Capabilities

The broader conversation surrounding Harris's interview with Walz touches on deeper concerns about her leadership capabilities. Critics have seized upon this moment to question whether Harris is prepared to handle the pressures of the presidency, especially when faced with tough, unscripted questions. The timing of this interview, more than a month after Biden's exit, has only intensified these concerns.

Phil Kerpen, another commentator, asked pointedly when the public could expect a solo interview with Harris. His question underscores a growing sentiment that Harris needs to prove she can stand on her own in the political arena.

Conclusion

As Vice President Kamala Harris gears up for her first formal sit-down interview as the 2024 presidential candidate, the decision to include her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, has ignited criticism and raised questions about her readiness to lead.

The interview, conducted by CNN’s Dana Bash and set to air Thursday night, will be Harris's first major press interaction since President Biden exited the race over a month ago.

However, the online response has been largely negative, with many arguing that Harris's reliance on Walz signals a lack of confidence in her ability to face the media alone.

As the campaign progresses, the pressure will likely increase for Harris to demonstrate her capability as a solo candidate, with critics and supporters alike watching closely.