Vice President Kamala Harris has been notably absent from holding a formal press conference for the past 16 days since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Despite her active presence on the campaign trail, speaking at various events, and engaging with reporters informally, Harris has not conducted a wide-ranging interview or formal press conference during this period.
Her absence was particularly evident when she did not attend the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, where former President Trump engaged in a heated question-and-answer session. However, there is a possibility that she may make an appearance with the group in the future.
As Harris approaches the decision of selecting her running mate to challenge former President Trump in November, critics have raised concerns about her lack of facing tough questions and holding press conferences. Some have drawn parallels to the strategy employed during the Biden campaign in 2020, which was criticized for limited media exposure.
While Harris has received widespread support from various Democratic Party members following Biden's endorsement, questions linger about her avoidance of press conferences. Calls for her to hold a press conference have been echoed by media professionals and critics alike.
Despite the criticisms, the Harris campaign has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. With the Democratic National Convention scheduled to commence on August 19 in Chicago, the spotlight remains on Harris and the need for her to engage in more open dialogue with the media and voters.