Kamala Harris, currently the Vice President and evidently too busy to engage with the media, has at last found time to participate in an interview with CNN. With this scheduled appearance, she fulfills a commitment she made earlier this month, to finally provide some insight on all the confusion surrounding her campaign. Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota and her abruptly chosen running mate, will also be present at the interview. This notable first-time occasion is scheduled to happen this week, a glaring marker of their earlier unseen cooperation in the media landscape.
In a move that smacks of publicity-driven desperation, this primetime interview is touted as ‘The First Interview: Harris & Walz – A CNN Exclusive’. The much-vaunted event will be broadcasted live on Thursday evening, precisely at 9 pm ET/PT. It seems the duo is seeking refuge in the liberal fortress of CNN, a platform that has been known to be overwhelmingly supportive of Democratic agendas.
The interview will be conducted from the battleground state of Georgia, perhaps a subtle hint at the Democratic nominess’ flailing attempts to win over votes in a critical electoral region. Dana Bash, the CNN anchor and chief political correspondent, has been given the task of the interview. Audiences everywhere will keenly witness how the sympathetic interviewer handles the positions of Harris and Walz.
The supposedly ‘exclusive’ interview is slated to be conveniently made available to audiences across the CNN platform. By making it available even via the CNN website, CNN connected TV, and mobile apps, the extent of their scramble for attention is made clear. The desperation of Harris and Walz is palpable as they strive to reach the largest possible audience.
Following the live primetime airing, the interview will be repurposed for on-demand viewing from the following day. Per this arrangement, pay-TV subscribers can catch up on the interview in their own time. This adds another chapter to the mainstream media’s ardent hero-worship of left-leaning politicians.
Kamala Harris, who mysteriously launched a presidential campaign only five weeks ago, has been noticeably absent from traditional media interactions. For a candidate seeking the high office, it’s staggering that this is her first sit-down interview with any major media network. It prompts one to wonder, what has held her back? Is it a lack of confidence in the policies she represents, or a fear of media scrutiny?
Earlier this month, Harris pledged to schedule a major media interview by the end of August. True to her word, albeit in the eleventh hour, she finally came through. However, the resounding question remains – why the silence within the initial weeks of what should be a vigorous campaign? This avoidant approach surely raises doubts among the public regarding her ability to lead.
Joe Biden, the current President, decided against running for re-election, leaving the Democratic Party in a state of uncertainty. Against this chaotic backdrop, Harris was hurriedly anointed as the presidential candidate for the Democrats. This appears more like an act of convenience, rather than a testimony to Harris’s leadership capabilities.
Aug. 6 saw the hasty announcement of Tim Walz as Harris’ Vice President running mate. One can’t help but wonder if Walz was the Democrats’ first choice, or merely a desperate bid to fill the sudden vacancy. The abruptness of the decision doesn’t reflect well on their competence.
In a twist that’s bound to provoke interest, Harris is due to engage in a debate with Donald Trump. The event, organised by ABC, will take place on the 10th of September. It will indeed be interesting to watch how Harris defends her policies, considering her scarce media engagement in recent times.
Following some reasonable uncertainty, Trump confirmed his commitment to participate in the debate. This arose after legitimate questions regarding ABC News’ ability to conduct an impartial debate – a concern echoed by numerous conservatives. It remains to be seen whether the event will uphold the principles of fairness.
An intricate rule has been agreed upon for the upcoming debate – the microphone of each candidate will be muted while the other is speaking. Though this may be an attempt to ensure civility, it is crucial to note the wider implications. It indicates the media’s fear of clear and open dialogue between the two candidates, perhaps a reflection of their confidence in Harris.