Over the course of her political career, Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated a distinct propensity for skillful avoidance of tough questions from the press. Critics argue that, in doing so, Harris fails to provide adequate transparency on significant issues, therefore disregarding her responsibility to the American public. According to a campaign adviser who requested anonymity to speak candidly, this lack of transparency is becoming a resonating concern within her constituency and beyond.
Kamala Harris’s pattern of skirting media scrutiny became particularly noticeable during the 2020 presidential campaigns. It was during the campaign period that she twice sidestepped questions about her stance on the controversial topic of court-packing. Rather than providing a clear answer, she deflected by criticizing the Trump administration’s Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. Similarly, she failed to deliver a robust response to questions regarding the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on fracking, causing a further wave of disappointment among her advocates seeking clarity.
The Vice President’s inclination towards media evasion has continued into her tenure in office. She has repeatedly abbreviated press briefings and interviews, shying away from questions probing critical issues. For instance, when quizzed about the administration’s handling of the escalating border crisis, Harris brushed it off with an offhand comment about not having plans to visit the border yet. This lack of direct response to crucial issues forms the basis of the critics’ complaints and generates skepticism around her commitment to accountability.
Several political analysts also note that her tendency to deflect rather than answer corresponds poorly with her position’s inherent responsibility. As Vice President, every action or inaction she takes sends a message to the rest of the country. As such, her decision to avoid meaningful dialogue with the press suggests a deliberate move to evade public scrutiny.
This perception of reluctance in engaging with the media can be costly politically. It can incite queries about transparency and accountability, given the significant role the media plays in facilitating communication between political leaders and the public. Moreover, this reluctance indicates a disregard for the public’s right to know about their leaders’ plans, decisions, and viewpoints, particularly during challenging times or crises.
The campaign adviser believes that Kamala Harris ‘owes responses’ to inquiries made by both the media and the public. The unwillingness to engage in open discussions and answer tough questions sends a wrong signal about the level of commitment to democratic values, transparency, and public accountability.
Additionally, taking questions head-on can also be construed as a sign of leadership. Especially when those inquiries relate to national concerns such as the border crisis, providing clear and candid responses demonstrates strength, sophistication, and adaptability. The evasion, on the contrary, can be perceived as lack of confidence in facing difficult situations or an inability to take stock and provide reliable solutions.
Transparency, accountability, and open communication are elements of a well-functioning democracy. A political figure like Vice President Kamala Harris, who holds an influential position, should embody these principles. It is important for her to not only acknowledge the public’s right to know but also to foster a culture of open dialogue and robust discussions on national and international matters. The more involved the public is in information sharing, the more they are likely to trust their leaders – which forms the backbone of any successful administration.
In a nutshell, dodging the media does not present Kamala Harris in the best light as a public servant. On the contrary, it raises questions about her willingness to adhere to democratic standards. This sentiment is not exclusive to a single campaign advisor but is becoming more widespread among various stakeholders, including voters, political observers, and the media. As such, it’s high time for Vice President Harris to reconsider her media relations’ approach if she is to uphold the elements of transparency and accountability inherent to her role.
