Washington Post columnist urges Harris to engage with journalists, criticizing the use of silence as a misstep.

A Washington Post columnist argued that Vice President Kamala Harris must address the media, as her prolonged silence undermines democracy and contradicts the "values of a democratic society that regard the press as a vital institution."

Journalist Perry Bacon Jr. wrote an article titled "Harris should engage with journalists more, especially the wonky ones," which includes a critical subhead that states, "Not communicating with the media or answering questions from anyone for weeks undermines democracy."

Since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris has not conducted a formal interview or press conference, but has only answered a few questions during informal press gatherings.

Bacon wrote that Harris should be doing interviews and other engagements with journalists, recognizing their important role in democracy. Specifically, she should speak to journalists who specialize in policy reporting.

Bacon, who has expressed his political stance, noted that some Democrats are frustrated with the media's focus on President Biden's age and that others believe the press helped Trump by highlighting Clinton's use of a private email server in 2016.

He believes Harris should engage with journalists more, even though there are worries that doing so may expose her lack of support from the media.

"A presidential campaign is a national discussion about the country's condition. However, a candidate giving the same speech repeatedly is not a conversation but a monologue. Harris does not take questions from voters at her events on the campaign trail or in other forums," Bacon stated.

"While I understand the potential for elitism and defensiveness, I believe it is crucial to respond to journalists' inquiries. They are trained to examine policy matters and examine politicians, and their questions will frequently be more comprehensive and targeted than those of the general public."

He proposed that Harris engage in interviews with journalists who specialize in foreign affairs, such as CNN's Christiane Amanpour or Fareed Zakaria, or experts in economic policy, immigration, education, or criminal justice.

"Harris's strong performance in recent weeks suggests she has been underestimated by Democratic Party elites. However, talking to reporters who are familiar with her subjects carries some risk for the candidate. I hope her aides, who are from the elite, are not overly concerned about her making a mistake while speaking extemporaneously," Bacon wrote.

He believes that Harris will answer criticism by meeting with a friendly media outlet, like MSNBC, but he hopes the vice president engages with "journalists who can and will confront her."

Bacon expressed frustration that the primary anti-Trump candidate has commenced her campaign by deviating from democratic principles and disregarding the press as a vital institution, as well as refusing to respond to inquiries from journalists and the public.