Vice President Kamala Harris has finally decided to participate in her first formal interview since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee — and it has ignited a firestorm of criticism and mockery from conservative commentators and political opponents.
The interview, scheduled to be taped with CNN’s Dana Bash in Georgia, will feature Harris alongside her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, 38 days after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and nominated her as his replacement.
The pretaped interviews format has drawn sharp rebuke from critics — specifically conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, who argued that the joint appearance with Walz, coupled with the decision to pre-record rather than broadcast live, is proof that Harris is ill-equipped to handle the office of the presidency.
Kelly dubbed Walz Harris’s “Emotional Support Governor” in her brutal social media response.
“The campaign claims she is going to give an interview but not solo – it will be w/Walz, her Emotional Support Governor,” she declared.
Take a look —
The campaign claims she is going to give an interview but not solo – it will be w/Walz, her Emotional Support Governor. https://t.co/RSKQP011i7
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 26, 2024
Kelly wasn’t alone in her savage takedown of Harris’ first interview. Republican lawmakers, pundits, conservative media stars, and even regular social media users all blasted the interview’s structure as evidence of Harris’ weaknesses.
Many are calling for an unedited, live, solo press conference, arguing that the current format allows for careful editing and message control.
“Scripted to the max. And even with a script she can’t get it right. She is too dangerously dumb to be president,” wrote one user.
Scripted to the max. And even with a script she can't get it right. She is too dangerously dumb to be president. pic.twitter.com/TJcEvfPn61
— Van Luken (@luken_van) August 27, 2024
“OMG. She can’t even do an interview without a babysitter. How is this even real?” another user asked.
“Pre-recorded interview. Has to have her thunder-buddy in tow. Pathetic. Basement campaign. How long is the hand-holding, cushioning via the press going to continue?? This is portraying nothing but being unserious and weak,” wrote another user. “Why isn’t Kanmala or Walz going on ‘friendly’ networks, live unscripted? Crazy. Not earning or deserving of the positions they are running for. Cowards.”
The interview comes after weeks of Harris dodging the media amid her campaign policy flip-flops. Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have repeatedly appeared in front of unfriendly media personalities for interview since Harris took the mantle as the Democratic Party’s presumed candidate.
Harris campaign argues that the format allows for a more in-depth discussion of policy issues. However, skeptics view it as a strategic move to shield Harris from potential gaffes or challenging questions.
As the September 10 Harris-Trump debate approaches, this controversy has heightened interest in Harris’s performance under pressure. With both supporters and critics closely watching, the upcoming CNN interview and its aftermath may prove pivotal in shaping public perception of the Democratic nominee’s capabilities and campaign strategy in the lead-up to the November election.