The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, has come under criticism after a video surfaced in which she appears to avoid the press by pretending to be on a phone call. The incident occurred as Harris boarded Air Force Two last Monday, heading to a series of campaign events in the Midwest.
This is not the first incident in which Harris has been accused of avoiding media scrutiny. Her handling of the press has been questioned on several occasions, especially after a recent interview with CNN in which she dodged questions on key issues such as the economy and military aid to Israel.
Kamala Harris faces criticism after avoiding the press
In the video, Harris can be seen holding a mobile phone to her left ear and using headphones while climbing the stairs of the plane. Although she briefly greets reporters and a member of the US service, the vice president keeps one hand firmly pressed against her ear.
However, some observers noticed that the headphones did not seem to be connected to any device, raising suspicions about the authenticity of the call. Criticism quickly followed, especially on social media, where users and political commentators accused Harris of using a classic tactic to avoid uncomfortable questions from the press.
Tim Murtaugh, former communications director for the Trump 2020 campaign, was one of the most vocal, pointing out that Harris' maneuver "destroys the illusion" and "demonstrates that she is lying... again." Other users also joined in the criticism, with some suggesting that the vice president was trying to avoid questions.
Kamala Harris and her tactics for dealing with the press continue to be a hot topic
The episode has sparked a debate about the transparency and accessibility of the vice president, especially at a time when she is under intense public scrutiny. Although Harris has been a prominent figure in the Biden administration, her communication style with the press has been criticized for being evasive, which could affect her image in future political challenges.
The incident on Monday is seen by many as a reflection of a broader strategy to avoid direct confrontations with the press, which could have repercussions on his long-term political career.