Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 12, 2024 7:50 pm GMT
As the 2024 presidential election heats up, the spotlight turns on Vice President Kamala Harris and her media engagement, with suggestions from Barbara Walters’ biographer that more interviews are critical. Susan Page, the author of “The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters,” believes the iconic journalist would have had high expectations for Harris in terms of media visibility.
Expectations of Media Engagement
In a recent conversation with Fox News Digital, Page highlighted the importance of media interaction for presidential candidates. “I think Barbara Walters would be pursuing her,” Page asserted. “Part of the job of being president is talking to Americans, and one of the ways you talk to Americans is through the news media.”
Walters, who blazed trails for women in journalism, would have likely expected both presidential nominees to take part in interviews with serious journalists during the campaign. In contrast, Vice President Harris has faced criticism for her limited media appearances.
Looking at Harris’s Media Footprint
Since becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris has faced scrutiny for largely avoiding media questions. Here’s a quick overview of her interview statistics compared to other candidates:
- Days Since Last Media Question: 40
- Interviews Granted: 3 (including CNN’s Dana Bash)
- Formal Press Conferences: 0
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has been actively engaging with the media, conducting several interviews and participating in town halls. Recent statistics show a significant disparity:
- Trump/Vance Interviews: 45 since last month
- Harris/Walz Interviews: 8 since last month
This difference has not gone unnoticed, and it raises questions about the vice president’s media strategy as she navigates the campaign trail.
The Legacy of Barbara Walters
The late Barbara Walters is remembered as a pioneer in journalism, especially for women. Page discussed Walters’ influence, stating, “For women journalists, no one has been a more iconic figure than Barbara Walters.” Throughout her career, Walters achieved remarkable milestones, including being the first female co-host of NBC’s “The Today Show” and breaking salary records as a news anchor at ABC.
A Barrier Breaker
Walters’ impact on journalism extends beyond her accomplishments. She challenged societal norms and expectations around women in media. Page recalled:
> “If you grew up watching Barbara Walters, it wouldn’t occur to you that a woman couldn’t do big interviews or make as much money as men.”
Walters passed away in December 2022 at the age of 93, but her influence on women in journalism continues to resonate.
The Importance of Media for Candidates
Effective media communication is vital for candidates hoping to connect with voters. Engaging with the media helps to inform the public and build trust. Political experts suggest that candidates should seize opportunities to share their vision and respond to current events through interviews and press conferences.
By creating dialogues with various media outlets, candidates foster transparency and demonstrate their stances on key issues facing the nation.
Comparing Strategies
As Harris navigates her role as vice president, contrasting her media engagement with Trump’s strategy highlights different approaches:
- Trump’s Approach: Active media presence, frequent interviews, and responsive to press questions.
- Harris’s Strategy: Limited media interactions, primarily focused on select interviews.
Concluding Thoughts
As the 2024 election approaches, the expectations for media engagement become even more crucial. The contrasting media strategies of presidential candidates might play a significant role in shaping public perception. Susan Page’s insights into Barbara Walters’ anticipated expectations suggest that visibility in the media is not just a tactic but a fundamental aspect of candidacy.
According to Page, Walters would have expected Harris to step up in the media arena, potentially bolstering her connection with voters. As the campaign progresses, it remains to be seen how Harris will adapt and fulfill the traditional roles that come with being a leader vying for the nation’s highest office.
Stay tuned for updates on this story and more news about politics!
