Harris Faces Tough Questions in First Promised Interview on Campaign Trail

Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing to encounter her first significant test following the Democratic National Convention by committing to a formal interview, something she indicated to reporters she aims to arrange by the end of August. However, she has yet to provide any specific details regarding this interview.

Ian Sams, a senior adviser to Harris, reiterated on Monday that the Vice President would “schedule” a formal interview by the end of the month. Despite these claims, there has been no announcement of such a meeting, leading to accusations from Republican critics that she is avoiding the press.

Former President Donald Trump criticized Harris during an event in North Carolina, stating, “She refuses to do any interviews or press conferences; it’s almost 30 days now without an interview.” He went on to imply that her lack of engagement was a sign that she lacks intelligence and is attempting to evade difficult media scrutiny.

Trump’s campaign has suggested that Harris is “ducking and hiding” from reporters, who are likely to pose challenging questions when she finally addresses the media. Despite the absence of interviews, this strategy seems to have had little negative effect on Harris, whose polling numbers currently exceed those of President Joe Biden when he was leading the Democratic ticket.

As of Tuesday, Harris is polling at 47.2%, compared to Trump’s 43.6%. In contrast, Biden’s numbers had dropped to 40.2% when he exited the race, as Trump was polling at 43.5%. This polling data is from 538’s national average.

Moreover, Harris has ignited enthusiasm within the Democratic base that was previously lacking. Following last week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, she seems to have gained significant momentum.

Harris also announced her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whose rural upbringing is seen as a strategic advantage that might help the ticket appeal to voters in more conservative areas.

On the other hand, Trump appears to be straying away from the disciplined approach that many Republicans had admired over the summer. He has made misleading remarks about crowd sizes at Harris’s events and even neglected to mention a policy initiative he was expected to discuss during an event in Michigan.

As Democrats rally around Harris, they underscore that she faces several challenges in the weeks ahead, particularly concerning her upcoming interview.

One of the main challenges will be addressing the complexities surrounding the Biden administration’s record, notably the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump has aimed to spotlight her role in this by marking the third anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members, attributing broader implications for U.S. credibility to Harris’s actions.

Trump stated during a speech to National Guardsmen in Detroit, “Caused by Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, the humiliation in Afghanistan set off the collapse of American credibility and respect all around the world.”

In her interview, Harris may also need to clarify her insights on Joe Biden’s capabilities, especially following her remarks during a debate where she urged the public to judge him based on his “three-and-a-half years of performance” rather than just the brief debate period.

Harris’s performance during that debate catalyzed a movement among prominent Democrats who sought to encourage Biden to step back from the race. Having served as his second-in-command, Harris is aware of the intricacies of his leadership style and is likely to face questions about what she observed behind closed doors.

Moreover, Harris will likely be asked to comment on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite her call for a “cease-fire,” she is part of an administration that has yet to facilitate one.

Another pressing issue likely to be raised is the situation at the southern border, which critics have unfairly tied to her due to the rise in unauthorized crossings during Biden’s administration, labeling her as the “border czar.”

Furthermore, Harris might find herself defending her recently proposed economic plan, which has faced criticism from Republicans who mischaracterize her suggestions against grocery price-gouging as an invocation of “communist price controls.”

This week, Harris will travel to south Georgia, where she is expected to embark on a bus tour and hold a rally in Savannah.