One of Washington’s most powerful Democrats is warning that the party’s presidential nominee Kamala Harris needs to interact with voters more.
Top Democrat Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) is urging Harris to try to connect with the American people as the presidential race draws near.
Clyburn told CNN that Harris would benefit more from town hall-style events rather than “filtered” one-on-one interviews.
The vice president took a risk this week by going on Fox News.
When she was asked real questions and pressed on issues such as the border crisis, Harris responded by melting down and shouting repeatedly over Brett Baier with tired talking points centered on President Donald Trump.
While Harris’s interviews have mostly been softballs with Democrat-friendly networks, Clyburn complained about “filtering” impacting her message.
Some of the deceptively edited interviews with Harris, such as CBS’s “60 Minutes,” have led to a backlash from voters.
“Well, I think you know, my theory on that is she should be doing more town hall type meetings interacting with voters,” she said.
“Let the voters ask their questions, respond to the voters.
“Not have this filtering that takes place between they candidate and the people that often happens when we have these one-on-one interviews like she has been having.”
During a town hall with Univision last week, Harris could not name three good things about her rival.
“I think Donald Trump loves his family,” the vice president said.
“And I think that’s very important.
“I think family is one of the most important things that we can prioritize.”
“But I don’t really know him, to be honest with you.
“I only met him one time on the debate stage.
“I’d never met him before, so I don’t really have much more to offer you.”
In the final days before the election, Harris is still struggling to answer questions about her record.
Instead of answering questions about her own agenda, Harris is opting instead for attacks on Trump – whom she labels “unfit and dangerous.”
Meanwhile, her campaign shows signs of stalling, leaving many Democrats worried.
She snubbed the Al Smith Dinner in New York on Thursday night, a Catholic charity event where both candidates have appeared since 1984.
Instead, the Harris campaign released a bizarre, pre-recorded video.
However, the move backfired as Trump bashed her absence, accusing her of insulting Catholics.
While Harris is running out of time to win over skeptical voters, Clyburn told CNN that the outcome will come down to which party turns out their base.
He also downplayed concerns that Harris is shedding support from black men.
“This is going to be a turnout election,” he said.
“Whoever gets their voters to the polls, will win.”
