Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign announced on Monday that she has made a major move that smacks of desperation. Harris is scheduled to make her debut on Fox News, sitting down with Bret Baier for an interview on October 16 during “Special Report.” This will be her first formal interview with the network. Many political analysts believe this move may indicate a desperate effort by the Harris campaign to counter the increasing momentum of former President Donald Trump, who appears to have the lead as the 2024 race enters its final stretch.
For months, Harris has steered clear of tough questions and interviews from outlets perceived as critical of her administration. Instead, she has favored more friendly platforms, making recent appearances on shows like “The View,” Stephen Colbert, and Howard Stern. However, her decision to enter the lion’s den of Fox News is being interpreted as a sign that internal polling may be indicating serious trouble for her campaign.
Wednesday— I’ll have an exclusive interview with Vice President Harris on #SpecialReport. pic.twitter.com/Ry63iNH4fW
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) October 14, 2024
Political commentator Ari Hoffman highlighted the gravity of this shift on social media, writing, “If Kamala Harris is finally agreeing to a Fox News interview, then her internal polling must be disastrous.” The urgency behind the media strategy of the Harris camp suggests that they may be attempting to reset the narrative or reach voters they have previously neglected. “Imagine what Kamala’s internals show if she suddenly wants to do a Fox News interview,” added Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Harris’s interview comes at a pivotal moment, particularly following her recent media tour, which garnered mixed reviews. For instance, her appearance on “60 Minutes” was overshadowed by controversy when the network aired two different responses to the same question about U.S. policy on Israel. Critics seized on this inconsistency, accusing Harris of lacking a clear stance on important issues. Now, with Fox News viewers generally less favorable towards her, the interview offers both an opportunity and a considerable risk.
It’s important to highlight that Pennsylvania, the state from which Baier will anchor “Special Report” for this interview, is a critical battleground. Both Trump and Harris have been vying for every bit of political ground in states like Pennsylvania, which could ultimately decide the election outcome. Baier has moderated numerous Republican presidential primary debates and town halls.
By engaging with Fox News viewers, Harris may be attempting to soften her image among a more conservative audience, though the results are yet to be seen. What is evident, however, is that her campaign seems to be feeling the pressure as Trump’s significant lead becomes increasingly difficult to overlook.
