Kamala Harris has faced growing criticism for her reluctance to engage with the press, an issue highlighted during a recent exchange on CNBC between Gina Raimondo, one of Harris’s surrogates, and the show’s host. Raimondo attempted to defend the vice president, insisting, “She’s been crystal clear on things.” However, the host quickly pushed back, noting Harris’s apparent avoidance of the media. “She hasn’t talked to the press, Gina,” the host replied. “She has been impossible to pin down on anything.” This exchange shed light on a recurring criticism of Harris: her limited availability to the press and the controlled nature of her public appearances.

Harris’s avoidance of live, unscripted interviews has raised eyebrows among political commentators and the public alike. In one particularly odd moment, she was seen holding her phone up to her ear, despite already having headphones plugged in. The image was widely shared on social media, reinforcing the perception that Harris is uncomfortable in unscripted settings. Further fueling this narrative, Harris’s first interview as a 2024 presidential candidate was pre-recorded and edited before being released, rather than being conducted live. This cautious approach has sparked speculation that her campaign—or even the Democratic National Committee (DNC)—is deliberately shielding her from live interactions to prevent potential gaffes.

Critics argue that Harris’s avoidance of the press is a strategic move to minimize the risk of verbal missteps, which have occurred in the past during live appearances. Her public speaking style has often been scrutinized, with detractors claiming that she struggles to deliver coherent, effective responses on complex issues. This concern has led to widespread speculation that Harris’s campaign is overly scripted and lacking in authenticity.

As Harris prepares to face off against Donald Trump in an upcoming debate, many observers believe that her avoidance of live interactions could backfire. The debate will likely force Harris into a more direct, unscripted confrontation, exposing her communication skills—or lack thereof—to a broader American audience. With the stakes higher than ever, this debate may serve as a litmus test for Harris’s ability to hold her own in live, high-pressure situations. Should she falter, it could reinforce the narrative that she is being shielded from the press for fear of sounding “stupid” in unscripted moments, further complicating her path forward in the presidential race.