Axelrod dismisses criticism of Harris going one month without holding news conference

David Axelrod, former adviser to former President Barack Obama, dismissed criticism from Republicans that Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, should have held a full news conference or participated in a formal sit-down interview by now.

It has been more than one month since Harris announced she was running for president after President Biden stepped aside.

“I’m sure she will do those. Right now, what she’s been doing has been very effective, I think,” Axelrod said during an interview at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. “You know, these rallies are great organizing tools.”

When asked if Harris should do a full news conference or sit-down interview right after the convention, he said she will eventually do those.

In the meantime, Axelrod said, the public will see Harris in an “unscripted” environment during the first presidential debate.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said she keeps hearing criticism about the lack of interviews and the "lack of information" from the Harris campaign about her policies.

“All of this is very new. We only have a short period of time,” she said. “There will be plenty of time for interviews. She's not afraid to do them.”

Hollywood actor Sean Astin also addressed the lack of a formal news conference from Harris or a sit-down interview.

"She's got a lot on her plate. She's going to do just fine in those interviews when they happen," he said at the convention.