Former President Donald Trump continues to prove that he’s not one to shy away from a challenge, especially when it comes to getting his message out to the public. Whether it’s stepping into unfriendly media environments or engaging with deep blue audiences, Trump demonstrates a fearless approach to reaching Americans. Just last week, he held a press conference where he fielded a wide range of questions, showcasing his willingness to engage directly with the public. Then, Trump participated in an X Spaces conversation with X CEO Elon Musk. Despite technical difficulties, the event attracted millions of impressions and over a million live listeners, underscoring Trump’s relentless commitment to being heard.
In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be taking the opposite approach. Rather than engaging with the media or the public, she has been notably absent from the usual round of interviews and has even declined to participate in debates. This reticence is particularly glaring when compared to Trump, who has agreed to multiple debate dates, including September 4, September 10, and September 17. Harris, on the other hand, has not only refused these dates but has also attempted to paint Trump as the one avoiding debates, a narrative that crumbles under scrutiny.
CNN: What’s on Kamala’s schedule today?
Kamala spokesman Adrienne Elrod: “She’s talking to voters and getting her message out there.”
CNN: She has literally nothing on her schedule today.
Kamala spokesman: Well, yeah. pic.twitter.com/NPCnGNiuTH
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 13, 2024
This underhanded attempt was on full display during an appearance by Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) on Fox News, where he attempted to defend Harris’s actions. However, Goldman’s attempt to spin the situation was quickly shut down by anchor Bret Baier. Goldman claimed to understand why Trump supposedly didn’t want to debate, but Baier swiftly corrected him, pointing out that Trump had, in fact, agreed to several debate dates. The exchange left Goldman floundering, particularly when Baier highlighted that it was the Democrats who had pulled Biden out of the race after Trump’s dominant performance in the primaries, not Trump who was shying away from debate.
Goldman’s response, “What’s the difference?” only served to underscore the disconnect between the Democrats’ narrative and reality. His attempt to equate Harris’s actions with Biden’s withdrawal fell flat, especially given that Trump had agreed to debate in what could be considered a hostile environment. Harris, on the other hand, has consistently avoided such scenarios, opting instead to stay out of the public eye as much as possible.
Rep. Goldman: “I understand why Donald Trump is afraid to debate.”
Baier: “He accepted three. September 4, September 10, September 17.”
Rep. Goldman: “NO NO NO.”
pic.twitter.com/gf1e7uzFR2— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 12, 2024
The look on Goldman’s face as Baier dismantled his argument was telling. He appeared caught off guard, as though he was relying on outdated talking points that no longer held water. Whether due to ignorance or a deliberate attempt to mislead, Goldman’s performance reflected poorly on the Democrats’ broader strategy. It seems that, in their efforts to protect Harris, some within the party are more concerned with spinning a favorable narrative than with sticking to the truth.
