Less than a month before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris made a noticeable pivot in her press strategy, lining up a flurry of high-profile interviews in a final push to win over voters.
This shift marks a significant departure from her previously cautious approach to media engagements, as she ramps up appearances on a wide range of platforms targeting diverse audiences.
After facing criticism for limited press interactions following her presidential bid announcement in July—shortly after President Joe Biden stepped down—Harris’ campaign is making up for lost time.
Reports earlier in the campaign cycle noted that the Harris-Walz ticket had granted fewer interviews than any other modern presidential candidates. But now, with early voting already underway in several states, the Democratic nominee is changing course.
This week, Harris is taking on a packed schedule, with interviews on a mix of mainstream and pop-culture platforms aimed at connecting with a broader electorate. She is slated to appear on The View, The Howard Stern Show, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The move to engage with well-known, politically supportive media personalities like Stern and Colbert signals a strategic attempt to energize the Democratic base.
In an unexpected turn, Harris also recorded an interview with Alex Cooper for the Call Her Daddy podcast, one of the most popular shows among younger listeners. This interview, set to air on Sunday, positions Harris to reach a crucial demographic—young, often politically disengaged voters—who could play a pivotal role in the upcoming election.
These new media ventures follow Harris’ solo interview with MSNBC and her discussion with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in September.
Her team is clearly focused on diversifying her outreach and ensuring that key voting groups feel heard in the final weeks leading up to the election.
The media blitz will also include appearances on more traditional news platforms. Harris is scheduled for a high-profile interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes and will participate in a Univision town hall, speaking directly to Spanish-speaking voters, a critical demographic in battleground states.
This late-stage ramp-up in press activity shows the Harris campaign’s desire to increase visibility and address lingering criticisms around her limited press presence.
It’s also a direct contrast to former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee, who declined 60 Minutes’ interview request, adding another layer of intrigue as both candidates make their final appeals to voters.
As Election Day approaches, Harris’ high-octane media strategy could be key in swaying undecided voters and mobilizing the base to turn out in what promises to be a closely watched race.
