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The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board has launched a scathing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to include running mate Tim Walz in her first interview since becoming the Democratic nominee. Scheduled to air on CNN with Dana Bash, this interview marks Harris’ first sit-down with the press in 40 days.
The Journal criticized Harris for what it perceives as a strategic move to shield her from challenging questions, branding the joint interview with Walz as a “crutch.” The editorial suggests that the format, where Harris will share the spotlight with Walz, will limit her opportunity to address questions fully and reduce the ability for in-depth follow-up questions.
“This is a deliberate attempt to limit the potential exposure risks for the Vice President,” the editorial stated. It argued that having Walz present would constrain Harris’s responses and impede the interviewer’s ability to probe deeper into her positions on critical issues like taxes and foreign policy.
The Journal also accused Harris of avoiding transparency, pointing to her minimal media engagements and lack of detailed discussions on her policy positions since her nomination. Critics have noted that Harris has been notably absent from unscripted press conferences and hard-hitting interviews since President Biden’s endorsement.
The criticism extended beyond the editorial board, with conservative voices like The Federalist’s Sean Davis also condemning the joint interview format. Davis characterized the arrangement as emblematic of Harris’ perceived need for constant support, suggesting it reflects poorly on her ability to handle media scrutiny alone.
The Journal concluded by urging Harris’ campaign to allow her to face the media independently, stating that true respect for voters would involve Harris answering questions on her own, without additional aides or supporters to “rescue” her.
As the 2024 election season progresses, the scrutiny over Harris’ media strategy highlights ongoing debates about candidate transparency and accountability in high-stakes political races.