Note 2: Bret Baier interviewed Kamala Harris on Oct. 16th see here.
Note 1: CBS aired a prerecorded and edited 60 Minutes interview of Kamala Harris on Oct. 7th, you can see the analysis here.
As of 09-26-2024:
Since becoming the installed Democrat Presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris has not given a single live interview. Her only journalistic interview on 8/29/24 with Dana Bash was pre-taped and not live, raising questions about the transparency of her campaign. Also, this was not a one-on-one interview since she insisted on having her running mate at her side, Tim Walz.
Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey held a high-profile town hall event on September 19, 2024, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This event, titled Unite for America, was both live-streamed and aired in front of an in-person audience of about 400 attendees. This town hall was not a serious journalistic interview.
Sept. 19th Town Hall Analysis (A)
The overall assessment of Kamala Harris's town hall
with Oprah Winfrey on September 19, 2024, has been mixed, with some positive
highlights and significant criticisms. On one hand, the event was praised for
its emotional depth and the star power it attracted, including celebrities like
Chris Rock, Meryl Streep, and Ben Stiller. Harris connected with voters through
heartfelt stories from families affected by issues like abortion rights and gun
violence. These moments, particularly when discussing her personal connection
to gun ownership and the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overturned, resonated
deeply with some viewers, showcasing her empathy and personal approach to
pressing social issues (Global News).
However, the event also faced criticism, particularly
from conservative commentators, who labeled Harris’s responses as disjointed or
incoherent. They argued that even Oprah Winfrey's influence couldn’t prevent
Harris from struggling with clarity in key policy discussions, especially on
economic topics like lowering the cost of living. This criticism focused on
Harris’s communication style, with detractors calling her answers “word salad”
and suggesting that she failed to effectively convey her platform (Townhall).
In summary, while the town hall showcased some powerful
emotional moments and highlighted Harris's strengths in connecting with
personal stories, it also drew criticism for perceived communication challenges
on broader policy topics.
Sept. 19th Town Hall Analysis (B)
The assessment of Kamala
Harris's town hall on September 19, 2024, appears to be mixed based on various
sources and sentiments expressed:
·
Positive Feedback:
Some viewers and posts on X highlighted the event as successful, noting that
Harris was "on fire," avoided negativity, focused on positive vibes,
and effectively addressed the audience's questions with hope and concrete
examples of how her administration would tackle issues. There was mention of a
large viewership and an atmosphere filled with hope, indicating that for some,
the town hall was an engaging and inspiring event, particularly with the
involvement of high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey.
·
Negative Feedback:
Conversely, there's considerable criticism regarding Harris's performance.
Critics on X and other platforms described her answers as evasive, filled with
"word salads," lacking substance, or failing to address the questions
directly. There were comments about her not offering concrete policy proposals
on key issues like inflation, border security, and crime. Some felt the
presence of celebrities highlighted a disconnect from the working middle class,
suggesting the event was more of a staged show than a genuine town hall.
·
Neutral or Mixed Observations:
A few assessments pointed out an improvement in Harris's delivery, suggesting
her responses were better than in previous appearances, though still needing
enhancement. There was an acknowledgment that while the setting was friendly,
her ability to communicate policy or connect with voters without celebrity
endorsement remains under scrutiny.
·
Audience Reaction:
Observations from social media suggest that the audience's reaction was not
universally enthusiastic, with some attendees and viewers seemingly puzzled or
unimpressed by her responses, indicating a possible gap between the event's
intention and its reception.
From these points, it's
clear the town hall stirred a spectrum of reactions. While it managed to rally
support and present Harris in a setting aimed at showcasing her as relatable
and policy-focused with celebrity endorsement, it also drew criticism for lacking
depth in policy discussion and for perceived performance issues. This reflects
the broader political divide in assessing political figures' public
appearances, where style, substance, and political alignment all play roles in
shaping public perception.
Respectively
per ChatGPT
4.o and Grok 2 on 09-23-24