Harris Should Go Solo for Her First Big Interview, No Co-Pilot Needed

Vice President Kamala Harris has been under significant scrutiny since she declared her candidacy for the presidency over five weeks ago. One of the most pressing questions surrounding her campaign has been about when she will hold a major interview or news conference. That moment is finally set to happen this Thursday evening when Harris is scheduled to sit down with Dana Bash on CNN. However, the interview is raising eyebrows because it will feature her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, alongside her.

The current presidential election cycle is notable for its unprecedented nature, particularly with President Joe Biden announcing his decision not to seek reelection on July 21, subsequently endorsing Harris as his successor. This has led to a uniquely condensed and restructured campaign calendar. Such circumstances inevitably lead to deviations from the norm, creating a landscape that can surprise even seasoned political observers.

With that said, one cannot help but wonder if it was necessary for Harris to share the spotlight with her running mate during such a pivotal moment. This first substantial interview should serve as an opportunity for her to shine individually, addressing questions about her campaign and vision for governance, underscoring her competency as a presidential candidate. Yet, the arrangement may dilute her presence, raising questions about the necessity of having Walz in the interview.

The decision to include Walz in this significant interview begs further investigation. Was it a joint decision made by the Harris campaign and CNN, or did Harris insist that her running mate be present? Attempts to clarify from CNN went unanswered, while the Harris campaign cited the practice of joint interviews as a historical norm in presidential races, emphasizing their usual timing around party conventions.

While it’s true that joint interviews are not uncommon in political campaigns, they usually take place closer to convention time when party pairings are formally confirmed. Given that the upcoming election is still almost ten weeks away, this specific timing raises eyebrows. It feels as though Harris might benefit more from separately addressing the public to establish her authority and leadership credentials.

Historically, when examining previous presidential candidates, the norm has been for nominees to conduct solo interviews before making a joint appearance. For instance, former President Donald Trump held several individual interviews before sitting down with his running mate Mike Pence for their first joint discussion in July 2016, just before the Republican National Convention. Similarly, Hillary Clinton had multiple interviews solo before her first joint appearance with Tim Kaine, her vice presidential pick, in 2016.

During her previous campaign, Harris has faced notable challenges, and her recent ascent in the polls, attributed to a high-profile Democratic National Convention and her previous engagements, places significant expectations on her candidacy. By selecting Walz, who is also 60 and adds a sense of energy to the ticket, she created momentum in her campaign.

However, Harris has much to prove, especially in light of her past missteps, such as the infamous interview with NBC’s Lester Holt in June 2021 where her responses to key issues lacking clarity. In a climate where scrutiny of candidate positions is rampant, Harris must clearly articulate her stances on contentious topics—something that could be overshadowed by her running mate’s presence in an interview meant to project her capabilities as a leader.

In parallel, Trump has adopted an unexpectedly restrained approach when discussing Harris’s decision to share the interview platform with her running mate. While typically vocal about her decisions, he has chosen to focus on criticizing her rather than amplifying his own campaign message. His seemingly quiet scrutiny may signal recognition of potential vulnerabilities as Harris gains traction in the polls.

The dynamics of this election cycle draw critical connections between candidates and their strategies. For Harris, standing alone in front of the media spotlight could solidify her position against Trump, allowing her an opportunity to define herself distinctly and encourage voters to see her as a viable alternative. Yet, with the decision to include Walz in her first major interview, those opportunities for independent expression may become less accessible.

In this current political landscape, it is essential for Harris to leverage every opportunity to showcase her potential and leadership. Undeniably, a major interview holds the power to shape public perception—and this is a moment where Harris must shine without compromise.

Source: USA Today