NewsNation host Leland Vittert did not hold back when confronting former associate counsel for Vice President Kamala Harris, Rachel Palermo, on Tuesday. The topic of discussion: Harris’ media silence since launching her 2024 campaign.
Vittert wasted no time in getting straight to the point. He pointed out that it’s been nine days since Harris officially announced her campaign, and in that time, she has not given a single interview to the media. To add further insult, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) invited both Harris and former President Donald Trump to speak at their convention. While Trump accepted the invitation, Harris declined, demonstrating her avoidance of the press.
Palermo responded by praising Harris’ recent speech, stating that it drew a massive crowd and resulted in a historic amount of donations. However, Vittert was not interested in her deflection and pressed her once again on when Harris would speak to the press.
“Answer the question,” Vittert demanded impatiently.
Palermo then attempted to dodge the question by claiming that Harris has engaged with the media during her tenure as vice president. But Vittert was not going to let her off that easily and challenged her, saying that Harris has turned down every interview request, including from the NABJ.
Palermo continued to insist that Harris engages with the media, but Vittert pointed out that she has only taken one gaggle question since launching her campaign. He then contrasted Harris’ media silence with the level of accessibility of the Trump-Pence White House, where both leaders were known for their frequent interactions with the press.
Vittert also brought up Harris’ disastrous interview with Lester Holt, where she struggled to answer simple questions. Palermo tried to defend Harris, but Vittert pressed her once again, asking how many interviews she has done with major network news outlets. Palermo claimed that Harris has done “dozens” of interviews, but Vittert was skeptical and demanded to see the numbers.
It became clear that Harris’ avoidance of the press is not an isolated incident. She has a history of being unprepared and evasive in interviews, which is why she and her team have chosen to control her message through carefully scripted appearances and limited media interactions.
Trump and Pence were known for their willingness to engage with the media, regardless of their personal opinions of certain journalists or news outlets. They understood the importance of a free press and the value of giving the American people access to their thoughts and policies.
Harris’ actions only further raise questions about her ability to be a successful presidential candidate. If she cannot handle basic interviews, how will she handle the pressure and scrutiny of the highest office in the country? It is clear that Harris and her team are afraid of the unscripted and unpredictable nature of the media, and that is not a quality that inspires confidence in a potential leader.
'Give Me An Answer': NewsNation Host Confronts Former Harris Official Dodging About VP's Media Silence During Campaign pic.twitter.com/RbZiFtiRYp
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 31, 2024
Vittert did not get a direct answer from Palermo on when Harris will end her media silence. But one thing is for sure: the longer she avoids the press, the more it raises doubts about her qualifications and readiness to lead. The American people deserve a candidate who is open and transparent, not one who hides behind pre-written speeches and tightly controlled appearances. They deserve a leader like Trump, who is unafraid to speak his mind and defend his beliefs, even in the face of a critical media.