Following his recognition as Time Magazine's "Person of the Year," President-elect Donald Trump discussed Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign approach, specifically highlighting her media strategy. Trump suggested that Harris' limited engagement with the press raised questions and potentially hindered her campaign.
In the Time interview, Trump contrasted Harris' approach with his own, emphasizing his willingness to engage with various media outlets. He cited his extensive interviews, including a lengthy discussion with Joe Rogan, as examples of his proactive media engagement. Trump recalled that his campaign faced scrutiny for allegedly declining a "60 Minutes" interview, a claim they denied.
Trump noted that Harris' limited media presence, particularly after President Biden's withdrawal and her subsequent nomination, fueled speculation. He contended that even engaging with friendly media outlets could have mitigated this perception. Trump suggested that Harris' eventual media appearances, including podcast interviews and a joint session with running mate Gov. Tim Walz, came too late to fully address the earlier concerns.
The President-elect also posited that Harris' less successful interviews would have had less impact if balanced by more frequent appearances. He believed that the focus on her media strategy ultimately proved detrimental to her campaign.
Both Trump and Harris utilized podcasts and non-traditional media during their campaigns, with Harris notably appearing on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. Harris' campaign aides reportedly expressed frustration over the narrative surrounding her media engagement, arguing that she had conducted numerous interviews, albeit through different channels. They felt that the perception of her avoiding interviews unfairly contrasted with the standards applied to Trump and ultimately hampered her campaign.
