On September 17, 2024, during the broadcast of CNN NewsNight, host Abby Phillip and CNN contributor Kara Swisher discussed Vice President Kamala Harris’s performance in an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). The network, which is famously left-leaning, recognized the fact that Harris has so far refused to engage in any meaningful interviews, with only one unscripted interview having taken place so far.
At a glance:
- Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism for offering vague responses on critical policy issues during her interview with the NABJ.
- CNN contributor Kara Swisher noted that Harris faces the difficult task of “being specific while being vague” during the campaign.
- Many voters, described as “Kamala-curious,” are seeking clarity on how Harris’s policies will differ from President Joe Biden’s.
Phillip opened the segment by pointing out that Harris “lacked specifics” in her responses to questions on issues such as gun control and the war in Gaza. She added that the vice president might need to offer more detailed answers to address voter concerns about her policies.
The conversation then shifted to a comment made by former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who defended Harris by stating that she has already outlined policies on her campaign website. Clinton argued that Harris does not need to release more details. However, Phillip countered that Clinton herself had struggled with similar issues during her own campaigns, noting that despite having detailed policies, she wasn’t credited for them by the public.
Swisher responded by suggesting that Harris’s situation might be different. “A lot of people are Kamala-curious,” she said, emphasizing that voters want to know more about Harris’s platform and vision for the country. According to Swisher, Harris’s challenge lies in striking a balance between providing enough specifics to satisfy voters without overwhelming them. “She has to be specific while being vague,” Swisher said, a difficult balancing act for any candidate, especially one running for the presidency.
Phillip also noted that Harris will need to explain how her policies represent a shift from those of the Biden administration, as voters are often looking for change in a presidential candidate. Swisher agreed, saying that this expectation could be crucial as Harris moves forward in the campaign.
Will left-leaning news outlets continue to go hard on Harris if she doesn’t change course? With barely more than a month left to go until the election, we’ll soon see…
