Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 18 days without holding a formal press conference since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Despite being endorsed by President Biden and officially clinching the nomination, Harris has not engaged in a formal press conference or wide-ranging interview in the 16 days that followed. She has been active on the campaign trail, speaking at various events, and giving informal remarks to reporters.
Some critics have raised concerns about Harris' lack of media engagement, with calls for her to address the press mounting. The National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago saw Harris absent, prompting questions about her accessibility to the media. The attention on Harris' media presence has intensified, especially as her potential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, has also not been formally questioned in interviews or press conferences.
While Harris has been elusive, the Trump campaign has taken note of her limited media appearances, with some likening her approach to the criticized 'basement' strategy employed by Biden during the 2020 campaign. Calls for Harris to hold a press conference have come from various quarters, including political professionals and media personalities.
The pressure on Harris to engage with the media is expected to increase as the Democratic National Convention approaches. With the spotlight on her, the need for Harris to address the press directly and answer questions becomes more pressing. The lack of response from the Harris campaign to requests for comment adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding her media engagement.
As the public and media industry continue to question Harris' accessibility and transparency, the expectation for her to hold a press conference remains high. The upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago serves as a pivotal moment for Harris to address the media and provide insights into her campaign and policy positions.
