Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be taking a page from the Joe Biden playbook, adopting a campaign strategy that heavily favors cozying up to friendly media while dialing down public appearances. This approach, previously dubbed “hiding in the basement,” has left many Democrats uneasy as they wonder if what once worked for Biden can help Harris avoid political catastrophe. Critics have observed that it’s like watching a beloved actor slink behind the scenes when everyone wants to see them front and center.
Examining recent Biden-era strategies, it’s evident that Harris mirrors her predecessor’s avoidance of tough questions. The former New Hampshire House Speaker called attention to Harris’s absence from challenging media engagements, claiming the public deserves more than the limited interactions she has been willing to entertain. Republican strategists have long derided her reluctance to face the media and the public outside of tightly controlled settings, where she can easily dodge critical inquiries. A recent Fox News analysis highlighted how while Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance racked up a staggering 65 interviews, Harris can only boast about a measly 26 non-scripted interactions. If an Olympic event were held for public disengagement, Harris would undoubtedly take gold.
Harris’s Biden-esque 'hiding in the basement' campaign has Dems worried https://t.co/IhGJCvOngm
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) October 8, 2024
The lack of substance in Harris’s rare public appearances has sparked widespread derision. Her reliance on irrelevant personal anecdotes in response to pressing policy questions has been the target of numerous GOP light-hearted jabs. It’s almost like a game: one moment, she’s asked about inflation and the next, she’s recounting memories from her childhood in Berkeley. Audiences can’t help but wonder if they tuned in to a political debate or an improv comedy show.
Now, as she embarks on a new media blitz that includes softballs from “60 Minutes” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” reluctance grows on the Democratic side. Experts warn that while it may seem smart to skate by on “friendly” interview platforms, Harris risks letting voters define her candidacy in ways her campaign never intended. Unlike Biden, who manipulated a solid polling position in 2020, Harris finds herself in a tightening race, making her avoidance more alarming.
Attempts to enhance her public presence have not always delivered the intended results. Recent missteps include awkward mimicked accents aimed at connecting with diverse audiences, drawing mockery and criticism reminiscent of previous political faux pas. A repeat of such incidents, coupled with contentious appearances on controversial platforms, paints a picture of a candidate struggling to find her footing while trying to navigate the gutter of modern politics. With her colleague Governor Tim Walz also stumbling through a series of dubious claims, the duo appears less like seasoned leaders and more like a comedy duo that the voting public did not ask for.
Harris’s recent behavior has many questioning whether she is prepared for a repeat showdown with Trump, particularly as voters express a desire for more debate opportunities. The Democrats’ carefully curated appearance plan may soon need a reboot if they hope to connect meaningfully with the electorate—as pretending to be a Hollywood starlet in hiding will likely not yield the desired results come election day.