In a recent episode of “Real Time,” Bill Maher took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris for what he perceives as her blatant disregard for the press, arguing that her approach is even more insulting than former President Donald Trump’s infamous verbal assaults on news organizations. Maher’s comments have sparked a heated debate, shedding light on Harris’s media strategy—or lack thereof—since stepping into the spotlight as the Democratic nominee for Vice President.
Maher didn’t mince words when discussing Harris’s apparent reluctance to engage with the media. “What do you think about the fact that Kamala doesn’t talk to the press?” Maher asked CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during the Friday night show. “In a way, I feel like it’s more insulting than what Trump does,” he continued. “Trump says you’re ‘the enemy of the people,’ which is pretty bad. But what she’s kind of saying is, ‘I don’t need you. I’m not talking to you. You don’t matter. You’re not relevant anymore to me.’ To me, that’s even worse than ‘I hate you.’ It’s like ‘I don’t think about you.'”
This scathing critique highlights a growing frustration among media figures and the public alike, as Harris continues to avoid direct engagement with journalists. Despite being one of the most powerful figures in the country, Harris has largely shielded herself from the scrutiny that typically accompanies such a high office.
Kaitlan Collins, a seasoned White House correspondent, offered a counterpoint, though not without acknowledging the validity of Maher’s concerns. “I don’t know if it’s worse than denigrating the press on a daily basis, which is what Donald Trump did,” Collins responded. “I covered him in the White House every day as a correspondent. And, you know, oftentimes to kind of, you know, shake you if you’re asking him a question, he would try to get into a personal argument with you, or just deny or lie about what you were asking about. And so I don’t know if I would compare the two.”
Collins’s response underscores the stark contrast between Trump’s confrontational style with the media and Harris’s seemingly aloof approach. Trump, for all his faults, never shied away from facing the press, often engaging in heated exchanges and making himself available for interviews and press conferences. In contrast, Harris’s avoidance has left many questioning her transparency and willingness to be held accountable.
“I do think she should talk to the press,” Collins added, emphasizing the importance of transparency for those in power. “I think anyone who wants to have access to the nuclear codes should be willing to sit down and take questions. And we want to have her on the show.”
Maher, sharing this sentiment, expressed his desire to interview the Vice President but acknowledged the slim chances of that happening. “I’d love to too,” Maher said. “But I’m not going to hold my breath.”
It’s been over a month since Harris was solidified as the Democratic nominee, and yet, she has remained elusive, avoiding interviews and press conferences. This has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding her, especially as she continues to push her agenda from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Trump, known for his media savvy, continues to make himself available to the press, granting interviews and holding news conferences, even as he faces numerous legal challenges.
Harris’s reluctance to engage with the media raises significant questions. Despite being in a position of immense power, she has yet to clarify her stance on several key issues that are of great concern to the American people. Among the top questions swirling around her are her shifting progressive positions since her first candidacy in 2019, her concrete policy plans as Vice President, and her role in the apparent cover-up of President Biden’s declining mental acuity.
Earlier this month, Harris hinted that she might schedule an interview before the end of August. However, when Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked her directly whether she was ready to grant an interview, Harris’s response was dismissive, jokingly saying, “I’m working toward it.”
This cavalier attitude has only fueled the perception that Harris is unwilling to subject herself to the rigorous questioning that comes with being a national leader. As the weeks pass without a meaningful interaction with the press, many are left wondering what Harris is trying to avoid.
In a political landscape where transparency and accountability are paramount, Harris’s approach could have serious repercussions. The American public deserves to hear directly from their leaders, and the media serves as the conduit for that communication. If Harris continues to sidestep the press, it may not be long before the voters start asking the tough questions themselves.
