In a strategic shift, Vice President Kamala Harris is embracing a more unscripted approach to media engagements as the November 5, 2024 election draws near. This new tactic marks a departure from her previously cautious stance, reflecting the campaign's urgency to connect with undecided voters in the final weeks.
Harris, who became the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American vice president in U.S. history, is now participating in a diverse array of media appearances. These include interviews on CBS News' "60 Minutes," a Univision town hall, and appearances on popular podcasts like "Call Her Daddy." This approach aims to reach a broader audience, particularly younger voters and minority communities.
The campaign's strategy reflects an understanding of the changing media landscape. Rob Flaherty, Harris's deputy campaign manager, emphasized the importance of targeting voters who may not consume traditional political information. This aligns with Harris's background as a former California Attorney General and U.S. Senator, where she honed her skills in public communication and advocacy.
While this new approach carries risks of potential missteps, Democratic strategist James Carville supports the move, stating, "Everything in politics is a risk. The risk you run now is people don't understand what is really at stake here." This sentiment echoes Harris's career-long commitment to tackling challenging issues, such as her efforts in criminal justice reform and the creation of the Bureau of Children's Justice during her tenure as Attorney General.
The Harris campaign's media strategy contrasts sharply with that of her opponent, Donald Trump. While Trump has largely focused on appearances in friendly media outlets, Harris is venturing into more diverse and potentially challenging interview settings. This difference in approach reflects the candidates' distinct styles and campaign priorities.
Despite the shift towards more unscripted interactions, the Harris campaign continues to manage her public appearances carefully. This balance between spontaneity and preparation draws on Harris's experience as a skilled questioner, honed during her time as a prosecutor and her participation in high-profile Senate hearings.
"The disastrous word salad clips that come out of her highly controlled softball interviews never fail to demonstrate why she avoids such interviews in the first place."
In response to criticism from the Trump campaign regarding her media approach, Harris has demonstrated her ability to address current events directly. When asked about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's refusal to accept calls about Hurricane Helene, Harris stated, "People are in desperate need of political support right now, and playing political games in these crisis situations — these are the height of emergency situations — is just utterly irresponsible, and it is selfish." This response showcases Harris's commitment to environmental issues and disaster response, areas she has championed throughout her career.
As the election approaches, Harris's new media strategy aims to highlight her diverse background and extensive experience in public service. From her early days as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County to her current role as Vice President, Harris has consistently advocated for progressive policies and social justice. Her campaign hopes that this more open approach to media engagements will allow voters to connect with her on a more personal level, potentially swaying undecided voters in what remains a closely contested race.