Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign took a bold step on Wednesday, sitting down for a 30-minute interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier. But the move was met with criticism from her senior campaign adviser, David Plouffe, who described the interview as an “ambush.” Baier’s persistent questioning of Harris left her visibly frustrated, with some observers suggesting she struggled to directly answer questions about her record.
Plouffe, a veteran campaign strategist who joined Harris’s campaign in August, fired back at Baier’s approach on Twitter, praising Harris’s performance in the face of what he called a “Fox pep rally disguised as a town hall.” Plouffe’s tweet was a clear attempt to deflect criticism of Harris’s handling of the interview.
The Fox interview marked a significant departure for Harris’s campaign, which has generally avoided tough press conferences and has instead opted for friendlier, podcast-style interviews. But as her polling numbers have slipped in critical swing states, her team has become increasingly desperate to turn the narrative around. That’s why they chose to sit down with Baier, a seasoned journalist known for his tough questioning.
However, Harris’s performance only raised more questions about her ability to connect with voters. At one point, she became flustered when Baier pressed her on her record, responding “you and I both know what I’m talking about” when asked about her administration’s policies. Baier’s follow-up question – “what are you talking about?” – left the Vice President visibly uncomfortable.
In contrast, President Donald Trump has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage with the media, sitting down for extensive interviews with Bloomberg News and other outlets. Trump’s approach has been criticized by some as lacking discipline, but it has allowed him to stay in the public eye and maintain a level of visibility.
As Harris’s campaign continues to struggle, it’s clear that her team is trying to redefine the narrative around her record. But Harris’s performance on Fox News has only raised more questions about her ability to connect with voters and answer tough questions directly. Her senior adviser’s criticism of Baier’s approach may have been an attempt to deflect blame, but it only highlights the challenges facing Harris’s campaign as it seeks to regain momentum. Harris repeatedly sidestepped questions about her record, instead choosing to attack Trump’s stability. The move could be seen as a sign of desperation, as her campaign scrambles to reverse her slide in the polls.
