Fox News reported that it has been 18 days since Vice President Kamala Harris last faced the press, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has yet to conduct a press conference, stirring debate among critics and supporters alike.

After clinching the nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21, expectations for Harris to engage openly with the media have escalated. The endorsement by Biden marked a pivotal transition in her campaign, presenting her as the de facto Democratic frontrunner.

Harris Selects Tim Walz as Running Mate Amid Criticism

Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate this week. Despite this significant development, the absence of a formal press conference to field questions about her campaign strategy and vision has been conspicuous.

Meanwhile, Harris's non-appearance at significant events, such as the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, has fueled further speculation about her strategy regarding media interaction. Although her campaign hinted at possible future participation, no firm commitments have been made.

Critical voices from various quarters, including the opposition and media analysts, have been vocal about Harris's approach. Republican Representative Kevin Kiley remarked, "It's been 18 days and Kamala Harris is still not taking questions from the media or voters," emphasizing the negative precedent this could set.

Contrasts in Campaign Strategies Highlighted by Critics

On the opposite end of the spectrum, former President Donald Trump, Harris’s likely opponent in the upcoming election, has actively engaged with the media, hosting a press conference on the same week from his estate in Mar-a-Lago. This activity stands in stark contrast to Harris’s more reserved public presence.

Key political figures and commentators have also chimed in on the issue. JD Vance, a prominent conservative, criticized Harris for lacking self-awareness and failing to perform the duties expected of a presidential candidate.

"Until she does, you guys have got to stop giving her a honeymoon and pretending that she is something she isn't,” Vance stated.

Editorial voices from publications like The National Review and The New York Times have noted the unusual silence from the Harris campaign concerning direct media engagements.

Meanwhile, commentators like Noah Rothman questioned the delay, stating, "The most revealing exposure to which a candidate can submit is a prolonged press conference — and that’s precisely what Harris needs to do."

Media Experts Weigh In on Potential Risks for Harris

Media strategist Tim Graham argued that it would have been fitting for Harris to conduct a press conference upon announcing her running mate, suggesting a possible reluctance akin to former President Biden's media strategy.

Graham critically noted, "Either they think the press can never be servile enough, or they are projecting a complete lack of confidence."

Oliver Knox, another prominent journalist, suggested that a press conference might pose high risks, but maintaining silence could make eventual interactions with the media even more difficult for the Harris-Walz ticket.

Despite the growing chorus for Harris to step forward, her campaign has maintained silence, not responding to queries or clarifications sought by the media.

Anticipation Grows for Democratic National Convention

As the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19 approaches, all eyes are on Harris to see if she will break her silence and engage more fully with the press and public. This event could serve as a critical juncture for her to reaffirm her campaign objectives and quell the criticisms surrounding her media strategy.

With former President Trump maintaining a visible profile and Harris’s critics becoming increasingly vocal, the pressure is mounting for the Vice President to provide clarity and reassurance to both the electorate and the Democratic base about her readiness to lead.

Only time will tell if Harris will adjust her approach, but the growing demand for transparency and direct communication looms large as the election cycle heats up. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be telling for the Vice President and her campaign's strategy heading into one of the most fiercely contested elections in recent history.