The Harris campaign is facing a mix of scrutiny and support for its decision to conduct the vice presidential nominee’s first major media interview alongside her running mate, Tim Walz, instead of opting for a solo appearance, Daily Beast reports.
In response to questions raised by the media outlet, Harris campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz reaffirmed the choice, saying that joint interviews are a long-standing tradition in US politics.
“For at least 20 years, every ticket, Republican and Democrat, has participated in joint interviews,” Munoz explained, defending the decision to present Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Walz together for their first substantial media engagement.
The interview, which will be conducted by CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash, is set to be taped in Savannah and will air at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday. CNN has not commented on how the campaign proposed the two-for-one interview format to the network. However, a Harris campaign official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that joint ticket interviews have been a summer tradition, with the notable exception of the 2008 campaign featuring John McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin.
Although the joint interview allows both candidates to present a united front, Harris’s team has assured supporters that she will also engage in solo interviews throughout the campaign, though no specific timeline for these has been announced. This upcoming sit-down marks Harris’ first opportunity to showcase her knowledge and confidence since becoming the presumptive nominee for the Democratic ticket, especially pivotal following criticisms of her performance during previous interviews, including a challenging encounter with NBC’s Lester Holt in 2021.
With the heightened stakes surrounding this debut interview, any misstep by Harris may be magnified by Republican opponents and conservative media, adding pressure on her to deliver a strong performance. Critics, including figures like former President Donald Trump and conservative commentators, have condemned the decision to conduct the interview with what they perceive as a sympathetic network — CNN — and for bringing Governor Walz along.
The interview comes at a critical time for the Harris campaign, which has gained momentum as she travels to battleground states, raises record amounts of funds, and secures endorsements, amid President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the re-election race. However, Harris has faced scrutiny for her limited unscripted media appearances.
As the interview date approaches, parts of the conversation may be released to the public on Thursday afternoon.
