Kamala Harris has been increasing her media engagements, as observed closely.
Following several discussions, her communication plan is crystallizing, although viewers in New York and D.C. might not notice it yet. Lately, Harris has participated in one-on-one meetings with regional broadcast outlets and engaged in unconventional settings to address crucial undecided voters and minorities in key battleground states. Similarly, Walz is following suit.
On Monday, Harris skillfully handled tough inquiries from the National Association of Black Journalists and recorded an appearance with Stephanie “Chiquibaby” Himonidis, a renowned Spanish-language radio personality and podcaster. Thursday will see Harris participating in a live-stream event organized by Oprah Winfrey's supporters.
The media's interaction with Harris remains restricted, and journalists continue to seek more opportunities. Harris's team claims that their approach aligns with modern media dynamics in 2024.
Ian Sams, Harris's spokesperson, explained, "She consistently participates in media engagements because speaking to a diverse range of voters through their preferred news sources is essential. It's all about reaching people where they are."
To achieve this, the campaign also produces exclusive content for social media platforms regularly.
However, a Harris campaign staffer revealed to CNN that, "she's subject to pressure to be unscripted." The week's debate, moderated by ABC News, provided viewers nationwide an opportunity to observe Harris in an unscripted setting, resulting in a successful performance, evidenced by several post-debate polls suggesting that she emerged victorious.
Harris aspires for another debate against Trump, despite his public proclamation of refusal to participate. When arranging interviews, the Harris campaign secures interviews to discuss this goal as well. If Trump fails to reconsider, Harris might agree to town hall events with TV networks instead, the source revealed.
Trump's approach to media is more flexible – he frequently appears on his preferred Fox shows, provides brief statements to journalists, and occasionally hosts press conferences. His public comments often include unverifiable claims and false assertions. At times, his appearances backfire, such as when he was involved in an audio chat with Elon Musk that was marred by technical difficulties.
Sams condemned Trump's tactic while sharing with CNN that Harris is "engaging in diverse media platforms, fielding questions - often challenging ones - about her plans and agenda in every setting. Perhaps a two-hour live space with Elon Musk or promoting some questionable crypto venture is the ideal strategy to connect with battleground swing voters, but I seriously doubt it."
Harris and Walz's first joint interview as nominees was with CNN anchor Dana Bash at the end of August, attracting over 6 million viewers and registering as CNN's best 9 p.m. hour performance (excluding the June debate) since Biden’s inauguration.
One week later, Harris connected with "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" and "Afternoon Vibes with Ms. Jessica," two radio shows hosted by Black broadcasters, and a Spanish-language radio station in Phoenix. Although these discussions were subsequently rebroadcast in various markets, the campaign focused on key swing states like Arizona and North Carolina.
This strategy was also reflected after the debate, as Harris engaged in a one-on-one meeting with the WPVI anchor, the dominant TV station in Philadelphia, better known as Action News.
Walz has also been interacting with local TV stations, such as those in Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, this week.
To counter criticisms suggesting that Harris is seeking out easy interviews and shying away from tough questions, Harris participated in a panel discussion with three esteemed journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists forum in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The session was broadcast live by Fox News alongside CNN and MSNBC.
Thursday's live stream with Winfrey promises to be a more tranquil experience. Entitled "Unite for America," it will bring together numerous grassroots organizations that hosted pro-Harris Zoom meetings recently. Winfrey, who endorsed Harris with a prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention, will host the live stream on various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitch. Apart from online audiences, Winfrey will invite 400 local voters to join her for the conversation, prioritizing voters in battleground states in the run-up to the election.
Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed reporting.
In line with her communication strategy, Harris will participate in a live-stream event with Oprah Winfrey, aiming to connect with voters through preferred news sources and reach out to battleground states. Harris's team believes that her media engagements, including participating in diverse platforms and handling tough inquiries, are crucial for their approach in 2024.
