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In a bold move, Vance recently agreed to appear on The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast, according to Axios. The podcast, which launched in April, has featured interviews with nearly two-dozen prominent public figures, though it has leaned heavily toward pro-establishment voices. Previous political interviewees include Democratic figures like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, underscoring the Times’ typical slant.
Despite the potentially unfriendly setting, Vance sees value in reaching out to moderate voters through establishment outlets. As one of his advisers told Axios, “He can often be combative, but he’s not trying to own the libs when he engages with the MSM — he’s trying to persuade the middle.” This strategy highlights Vance’s ability to navigate tough interviews without resorting to partisan attacks, aiming instead to sway undecided voters.
While Vance is out in the field, taking on tough interviews and making his case, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have been largely absent from the media spotlight. Their reluctance to engage with the press has not gone unnoticed. In one rare exception, Harris and Walz appeared for an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, but the encounter was far from smooth. Harris struggled to answer direct questions, often appearing uncertain, while Walz’s ongoing stolen valor scandal continues to cast a shadow over his candidacy. This scandal was further highlighted when Megyn Kelly interviewed four former colleagues from the Minnesota National Guard, who labeled Walz a “liar” and a “coward.”
Harris’s avoidance of the media has become almost comedic in its extremes. Last month, even CNN’s Jim Acosta, who is generally sympathetic to Democrats, questioned a Harris campaign spokesperson about her reluctance to do interviews. The vice president’s evasiveness was further underscored when she was seen wearing earpieces rather than speaking to reporters before boarding a plane, leading critics to speculate that she might have been trying to avoid any engagement with the press.
In a functioning democracy with a truly free press, such behavior would not go unchecked. However, the establishment media seems more inclined to cover for Harris, effectively running her campaign for her by minimizing her public appearances and shielding her from tough questions.
In contrast, Trump and Vance are out on the front lines, engaging with almost anyone who will listen. Their willingness to speak openly and defend their records is a key differentiator in a political environment where many candidates choose to hide behind carefully curated media appearances.
Carry 46 rounds concealed? (comfortably)
As the election season heats up, it’s clear that Trump and Vance are banking on their transparency and truthfulness to connect with voters. Whether or not this strategy will lead them to victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they are not afraid to face the music, no matter how challenging the tune may be.
