For years, many liberal news outlets have loyally supported the Democratic Party, often framing the political landscape in ways that favor their candidates. These outlets have, historically, rallied behind the party, pushing narratives that promote unity and progressive ideals.

In past election cycles, their approach has typically leaned toward endorsing the Democratic nominee through favorable reporting and glowing features.

But this year, a dramatic shift has occurred. As the race heats up and Vice President Kamala Harris becomes the de facto Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden’s sudden exit, much of the liberal media landscape isn’t just supporting her—they are all but commanding Americans to vote for her.

Major outlets are plastering Harris with praise, highlighting her achievements, and underlining the importance of her candidacy for the future of the country. However, behind the glossy headlines, some are noticing that one prominent media outlet is breaking ranks and airing concerns about Harris’ unwillingness to engage with the press.

From The Post Millennial:
TIME Magazine owner Marc Benioff has slammed Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris for refusing interview requests with his media outlet…

We believe in transparency and publish each interview in full. Why isn’t the Vice President engaging with the public on the same level?”…

“Harris declined repeated requests for an interview for this story. In contrast, Trump talked about his policy vision with a TIME reporter for 90 minutes across two interviews. Biden spoke to TIME at similar length before dropping out of the race,” Benioff added in a follow-up post.

“Harris declined repeated requests for an interview for this story. In contrast, Trump talked about his policy vision with a TIME reporter for 90 minutes across two interviews. Biden spoke to TIME at similar length before dropping out of the race.” https://t.co/5wUbsStjep https://t.co/LpWExppPwb pic.twitter.com/1bvwzSSvbd

— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) October 14, 2024

TIME Magazine Challenges Harris’ Silence

In a shocking move, TIME Magazine owner Marc Benioff took to social media to express his frustration with Kamala Harris’ refusal to engage with the respected publication. This break from the expected media chorus of support has stunned observers.

Benioff criticized Harris for declining repeated interview requests, despite her willingness to appear on entertainment and lifestyle platforms like “The View” or podcasts with a more relaxed tone.

“Despite multiple requests, TIME has not been granted an interview with Kamala Harris — unlike every other Presidential candidate,” Benioff posted on X. His message was direct, shedding light on a pattern that seems out of step for someone vying for the highest office in the land.

This critique from a mainstream outlet, especially one that had previously supported Harris with flattering coverage, signals a growing unease about the Vice President’s approach to media relations.

Conservative Voices Agree: Transparency Matters

What makes this development all the more surprising is that TIME, long seen as a liberal stronghold, has joined the chorus of voices questioning Harris’ transparency. Conservative commentators have been quick to seize upon Benioff’s critique.

Many find it deeply troubling that Harris has avoided TIME while granting interviews to platforms with a softer journalistic approach.

The fact that former President Donald Trump and even President Joe Biden spoke at length with TIME raises concerns about Harris’ unwillingness to be equally forthcoming. Benioff emphasized the stark difference: “Trump talked about his policy vision for 90 minutes across two interviews.

Biden spoke to TIME at similar length before dropping out.” These comparisons suggest Harris may be trying to avoid serious questions, hiding behind less demanding media appearances.

A Media Strategy Under Fire

Benioff’s criticism isn’t without merit. Harris’ media strategy, which favors talk shows and pop-culture platforms, may endear her to casual voters, but it raises questions about her readiness to tackle hard-hitting policy discussions.

The TIME article, written by reporter Charlotte Alter, pointedly noted Harris’ avoidance of the publication, adding to the growing perception that she is not willing to engage with more serious news outlets.

While Harris has agreed to an upcoming interview with Fox News host Brett Baier, her track record suggests she is more comfortable on shows like “Call Her Daddy” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” These appearances focus less on political accountability and more on entertainment, giving Harris a relatively easy platform to maintain her public image without delving into tough policy questions.

In her sole recent interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, the Vice President struggled to present coherent policy answers, fueling critics’ arguments that her media strategy is designed to avoid difficult scrutiny.

Poll Numbers Signal Trouble

Kamala Harris’ reluctance to engage with serious news outlets appears to be affecting her standing with voters. Polls show that her popularity is slipping in key battleground states, a troubling sign for a candidate expected to carry the Democratic ticket.

While she enjoyed a brief honeymoon period after Biden’s withdrawal, her numbers are now dropping, leading many to wonder whether her media strategy, or lack thereof, is contributing to her campaign’s struggles.

The media’s traditional role in shaping candidates’ images has taken an unexpected turn this cycle. With even typically supportive outlets like TIME questioning Harris’ transparency, it remains to be seen whether she can regain lost ground or if her aversion to serious press scrutiny will continue to haunt her campaign.

Key Takeaways:

• Liberal news outlets have overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris, but TIME Magazine has broken ranks, criticizing her media avoidance.
• TIME owner Marc Benioff publicly voiced frustration at Harris’ refusal to engage with the publication despite previous interviews with other candidates.
• Polling suggests Harris’ media strategy may be hurting her campaign as she struggles to maintain support in crucial battleground states.

Source: The Post Millennial