Vice President Kamala Harris is known for her meticulous preparation when it comes to interviews, as evidenced by her approach to Thursday's upcoming interview. She typically engages in multiple preparation sessions spanning several days with various staff members, including those from communications, policy, and other relevant teams based on the subject matter.
One notable interview last October was with Bill Whitaker on '60 Minutes,' where Harris discussed a range of issues, including foreign policy. Some of her aides were pleased with the interview, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase her leadership both domestically and on the global stage.
More recently, Harris garnered attention for her defense of President Joe Biden during an interview, particularly amid criticism of his debate performance. Her remarks were well-received by the president's surrogates and allies, who frequently referenced them as the administration faced scrutiny.
This contrasts with an earlier interview in June 2021 with NBC's Lester Holt, where Harris faced questions about her delayed visit to the US-Mexico border. In response to Holt's pressing, Harris acknowledged the issue and humorously mentioned not having visited Europe either. Despite her attempt to address the matter, the interview has been used in Republican attack ads, prompting Harris's campaign officials to aim for clarification in the upcoming interview.
Overall, Harris's thorough preparation and strategic communication approach underscore her commitment to effectively conveying her message and addressing pertinent issues in interviews.