Vice President Kamala Harris is facing mounting criticism for her lack of direct answers in recent media interviews, raising concerns among pundits and voters alike. In a week filled with interviews, including a notable one with Oprah Winfrey, Harris has been accused of dodging crucial questions, leaving many to wonder about her commitment to transparency, as reported by Fox News.

Peggy Noonan of The Wall Street Journal did not mince words, stating, “This week she couldn’t or wouldn’t answer a single question straight, and people could see it. She is an artless dodger.” Noonan emphasized that this evasion disrespects the electorate, particularly on pressing issues like illegal immigration. She argued that it constitutes “political malpractice” for a candidate to avoid such vital topics.

Aug 29, 2024; Savannah, Georgia; USA; Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is greeted by Mashama Bailey, co-owner of The Grey, during a visit on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News-USA TODAY Network

During her interviews, Harris spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) event, yet she has not held a formal press conference since becoming the nominee.

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This absence of direct engagement raises eyebrows, especially as the political landscape grows increasingly contentious. Todd Purdum, a former White House correspondent, echoed these sentiments, arguing that in an environment dominated by Donald Trump, Harris can’t afford to remain vague. He suggested that “direct, succinct answers” would resonate better with voters, potentially improving their understanding of her policies.

Interestingly, not everyone agrees on the need for Harris to clarify her stance. Hillary Clinton and MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle contend that specifics are less critical, given the unique circumstances of the election. Clinton pointed out that despite her extensive policy background during the 2016 campaign, it didn’t significantly influence voters’ decisions. Ruhle argued that Harris’s campaign is a choice between two candidates, with Trump being a known entity.

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However, some commentators are pressing Harris for a more substantive approach. Bret Stephens, a columnist for The New York Times, has called for her to engage more deeply with complex questions rather than sticking to rehearsed responses. He believes that Harris should articulate a clear vision that resonates with a broader electorate, beyond the typical liberal talking points.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Harris’s interviews have lacked the depth many are seeking. ABC’s Selina Wang noted that Harris failed to provide direct answers during a discussion about the Israel-Hamas conflict, often pivoting back to pre-prepared talking points. Similarly, during an exchange about the current state of the economy, Harris’s response was deemed insufficient by commentators who expected a clearer, more relatable answer.

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Critics are growing impatient. CNN’s Scott Jennings pointed out that Harris tends to evade straightforward inquiries, raising questions about her accountability as a candidate. Following these interviews, Politico reported that Harris continued to “veer off script,” missing opportunities to address pressing issues meaningfully.

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In a time when clarity is paramount, Harris’s reluctance to engage directly could prove detrimental to her campaign.