Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are set to participate in their first joint interview on Thursday as part of efforts to sustain the momentum generated by the recent Democratic National Convention. The interview, conducted by a chief political correspondent, will be aired at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday. This event coincides with the candidates' bus tour in Georgia and marks Harris' first in-depth, on-the-record conversation with a journalist since President Joe Biden endorsed her on July 21.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Harris' campaign, the lack of a formal news conference or interview has drawn criticism from Republican rivals. The upcoming interview fulfills Harris' commitment to engage in a sit-down before the end of August, signaling a new phase in her campaign post-convention. As early voting approaches, Harris and Walz anticipate increased scrutiny, especially with an upcoming debate on September 10 against her Republican opponent.
While Harris has engaged with reporters during campaign stops and participated in interviews with content creators and influencers at the DNC, the absence of a traditional journalist interview has been a point of contention. Critics, including the Republican vice presidential nominee, have raised concerns about the delay in facing media scrutiny.
The interview presents an opportunity for Harris to clarify her stance on various domestic and foreign policy issues, addressing the campaign's emphasis on vibes over concrete policy. Previous interviews have posed challenges for Harris, such as the scrutiny she faced regarding her visit to the US-Mexico border and her defense of President Biden following a debate.
As the campaign progresses, Harris will have the chance to differentiate her positions from Biden's and articulate her vision for the future. The interview marks a significant moment in Harris' campaign, providing a platform for her to address key issues and engage with the public in a more formal setting.
