House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for conducting her first 2024 campaign interview alongside her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Stefanik expressed disapproval of the joint interview, stating that it is unacceptable for Harris, the presumed Democratic nominee for President of the United States, to not have a solo interview as she vies for the role of commander-in-chief.
The pre-taped interview featuring Harris and Walz is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. ET, marking their first interviews since becoming the Democrats' presidential ticket. This interview will also be Harris' first formal interview since taking over as the nominee 39 days ago.
There has been mounting pressure on Harris to engage in unscripted media events or press conferences, a demand she has not fulfilled since becoming the nominee, except for a brief interaction with reporters earlier this month.
Republicans have seized on Harris' decision to have her initial interview alongside Walz, suggesting that it indicates her inability to defend her platform independently.
Stefanik accused the media of complicity, criticizing them for echoing the talking points provided by the Harris campaign without scrutiny. She described Harris and her campaign as disrespectful to the American people.
In response to Stefanik's remarks, a Harris campaign spokesperson highlighted that joint interviews with presidential tickets have been a common practice for at least two decades, with the exception of Donald Trump's walkout during a joint interview four years ago.
While some journalists have expressed skepticism about the joint interview, it is noted that presidential candidates and their running mates frequently participate in such interviews. Harris' allies have defended her decision by pointing to the historical precedent of joint interviews.
A campaign official emphasized that Harris will also engage in solo interviews, addressing concerns raised about her preference for joint interviews.
