Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, representing the Democratic ticket for U.S. president, are set to conduct their first joint interview. The two will participate in a sit-down discussion in Georgia, scheduled to air on Thursday at 9:00 PM EDT.
This interview marks their inaugural extensive on-the-record conversation since President Joe Biden exited the race and endorsed Harris as his successor over five weeks ago. Following Harris’s ascension to the top of the ticket, she has faced criticism from Republicans for appearing to shy away from the press, leading to concerns about transparency in her presidential plans.
The upcoming interview serves as a critical opportunity for Harris and Walz to address these criticisms, adhering to a commitment Harris made to engage with the media before the end of the month. The conversation follows their standout addresses at the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago. After the interview, Harris will embark on a bus tour across the battleground state of Georgia.
As the election day approaches in just 70 days, this interview offers one of the limited chances for voters to gain insight into the Harris-Walz campaign’s policy stance. Critics, including Republicans and media figures, have expressed frustration over the campaign’s lack of detailed policy discussions and media engagements during Harris’s unprecedented presidential bid, exposing her campaign to sharp jabs and derisive comments from opponents.
Former President Trump recently remarked that Harris “can’t do an interview,” suggesting a lack of competence. Ohio Senator JD Vance, representing Trump’s camp, accused Harris of avoiding real questions, labeling her strategy as “shameful.” Vance emphasized that he and Trump have consistently faced challenging inquiries from the press.
While Harris has maintained a positive campaign image, she has also steered clear of some pitfalls experienced by the Republican ticket in media appearances. Her cautious approach stems partially from earlier challenging interactions with the press, including a notable 2021 interview concerning immigration issues, which may have influenced her limited press engagements thereafter.
As the campaign intensifies, the impact of this interview on Harris’s standing remains to be seen. Current national polls indicate she holds a lead over Trump, with a recent survey showing her ahead by seven points, a significant turnaround for Democrats who previously faced declining support in various races.
