For weeks, journalists — some of them stoked by Donald Trump — have been complaining that Kamala Harris has yet to do an interview or a presser.
Instead of doing that yesterday, Kamala’s campaign released this video she and Tim Walz filmed in Detroit — really just one of the first days they had spent much time together.
In addition to Kamala scolding Walz for not answering the first call she made to offer him the Veep slot, there’s a great conversation about music (both agree on Prince, whereas Walz’ tastes may match Doug Emhoff’s more than Kamala’s herself), and a conversation about tacos that has driven far right trolls nuts.
They think Walz is lying when he says he doesn’t eat anything much spicier than pepper. As a long-time Midwesterner, those trolls are going to faceplant if they think they’re going to convince Midwesterners that a bland palate is anything but authentic.
This conversation would have been around August 7. The next day, when Madame Vice President and her running mate got Mexican food in Phoenix, she warned the staff to tone down the spice on Walz’ dish, because he couldn’t handle more than black pepper.
But that’s the point. This video is, effectively, a kind of campaign selfie (something the campaign had already been doing, most notably when Barack and Michelle Obama called to endorse the Vice President). It’s the kind of thing that can go viral on TikTok among younger voters who really just want politicians to come off as real people.
By comparison, Trump did another event he billed as a press conference, though he didn’t take his first question until 46 minutes in.
With just a few exceptions, the questions are abysmal, mostly pro-Trump horse race questions asking for reassurances that he’ll be able to surge past Harris and Walz.
Journalists think they’re offering value with such interactions. They’re just fooling themselves. At this stage, voters really are more interested that Kamala and Coach Walz have genuinely held musical taste.
Trump presser questions
When have you last spoken with Bibi Netanyahu and what did you counsel him about cease fire? Trump at first answered when was the last time he saw Bibi. He went on to say he had not spoken to him since, which given the context may not rule out a conversation.
Why did god save your life?
Credit card debt softball.
Many of your allies say your personal strategy is not working, and is adding new people a sign of shifting strategy. I’m entitled to make personal attacks [on her because] I don’t have a lot of respect for her. She called me weird. They tell me I should be nice. They want to put me in prison. [Lies about his extensive efforts to put Hillary in prison.]
Nikki Haley said Republicans need to stop whining about Kamala Harris. Would you consider having Nikki Haley on the trail with you. All we have to do is lie about our opponent being a communist or a socialist.
Should the Federal government be responsible for determining food prices. She wants no fracking.
I know you say you’re leading but a Fox News poll out just yesterday has you up by just one point. How do you break away.
What’s your plan for holding China accountable [maybe for COVID?] if you get reelected?
You praise how Elon Musk treats workers, saying if they go on strike every one of you is gone. Are you really comfortable with companies who threaten to fire workers who go on strike? Sean O’Brien said firing workers who want to organize is economic terrorism. The Black population is absolutely threatened. The Hispanic population is absolutely threatened.
Tim Walz has been saying that you want to get things so that you can campaign on it. I wish I didn’t have to do this. Tampons in the bathrooms.
[Trump tries to end.]
Do you regret debating Biden so early in this race? Jake Tapper and Dana Bash were absolutely straight. ABC is the most unfair of all the networks. You know they’re hiding her, just like they’re hiding him.
[Trump tries to end.]
Wheaties or Cheerios? What happens to all these groceries? She’s 100 years old, she wants my autograph.
[crowd shots, occasionally with shouted questions, inaudible question]
What do you think about Ukraine’s incursion into Russia?
Can you say anything about the hacking of your campaign? I don’t like it. Really bad. I’m not happy with it. Our government shouldn’t let that happen. Does there need to be a government response? Yeah there should be. Our government should not let — they have no respect for our government.
Kamala Harris is cutting in on blue collar voters. Do you have a plan on how to push back on that? Do I have a plan? I have a plan.
[Trump tries to end.]
[More gladhanding.]
[Walt Nauta comes and whispers to Trump. After several more attempts, Trump leaves.]