Author says Barbara Walters would expect Kamala Harris to do more interviews: ‘part of the job of being president’

Legendary journalist Barbara Walters, the author claims that Walters would have expected Vice President Kamala Harris to conduct more interviews, emphasizing that engaging with the media is an essential part of leadership. According to the book, Walters viewed direct communication with the public as an integral responsibility for those in high office, particularly for individuals in line for the presidency.

The book, written by a close associate of Walters, reflects on the iconic journalist’s career and her expectations for political leaders. Walters, renowned for her incisive interviews with world leaders, believed that maintaining open channels with the press was crucial to demonstrating transparency, accountability, and a deep connection with the public.

“Barbara always saw media engagement as a core responsibility for political figures,” the author stated. “She would have expected Harris, or anyone in the position of vice president, to regularly sit down for interviews and make themselves available for tough questions. It’s part of the job of being president, or even being a heartbeat away from it.”

The remarks come amid increasing scrutiny over Vice President Harris’s relatively limited media appearances compared to her predecessors. While Harris has given several high-profile interviews during her tenure, critics have noted that her media presence has been more restrained, especially during moments of political controversy or critical events.

The author argues that for a leader, avoiding the media is not a sustainable strategy. Walters, who conducted interviews with U.S. presidents, international leaders, and cultural icons throughout her career, believed that confronting the press was a necessary step in building trust with the public. “Barbara knew that interviews are not always easy, but she saw them as a way to communicate directly and honestly with the people,” the book says.

Supporters of Harris, however, suggest that her approach to the media may be more strategic, aiming to focus on direct communication through speeches and policy actions rather than overexposure to interviews. Others argue that the evolving media landscape might call for a different approach than what Walters championed during her time.