During a campaign event in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) confronted Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent media silence, criticizing her for avoiding questions from reporters. As the press waited near Air Force Two, Vance approached, making a point of highlighting Harris’s lack of recent press engagement.
“I wanted to see the plane because it could be mine soon,” Vance joked, before turning serious. “But I also thought you might be lonely since the Vice President hasn’t taken any questions for 17 days.” His comments echoed a growing sentiment among conservatives that Harris is deliberately avoiding tough media scrutiny.
Harris, who has chosen Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as her running mate, has faced criticism for her controlled and limited media interactions since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee. Vance suggested that Harris is running a campaign with minimal public exposure, staying behind the scenes and avoiding direct engagement with voters.
The moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, with Vance posting, “I thought the reporters traveling with Kamala might appreciate some company since she never takes their questions.” This exchange reflects broader Republican concerns about Harris’s transparency and willingness to engage with the electorate.
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, polls show a close contest, with Harris holding a narrow 0.5% lead over former President Donald Trump, according to Real Clear Politics. Vance’s remarks are part of a continued effort by Republicans to question Harris’s campaign strategy and her readiness to take on the role of president.
