Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be navigating a challenging campaign landscape with a strategy that has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism. Since becoming the de facto Democratic presidential nominee in July, Harris has faced increasing scrutiny for her limited media engagement and what some see as evasive tactics to avoid pressing questions from the press.

In the more than 40 days since President Joe Biden suspended his re-election campaign, Harris has granted just one interview. This single interview, which lasted only 18 minutes on CNN, was notably conducted with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, by her side. The lack of solo media appearances and a formal press conference has fueled speculation about Harris’s reluctance to engage directly with the media.

One of the most talked-about moments came when Harris, departing Joint Base Andrews for a campaign event in Detroit, was seen wearing headphones and giving a brief wave to reporters who were shouting questions.

The clip quickly went viral, with many interpreting her actions as an attempt to avoid answering questions. Critics were quick to pounce, accusing the vice president of being unfit for office and mocking her apparent strategy of using headphones to sidestep the press.

Kamala Harris just brought back the “Detroit speak”

So freaking cringe and fake pic.twitter.com/9kXCRXEdy2

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 2, 2024

In addition to her media avoidance, Harris has yet to release a comprehensive policy platform. While she has introduced some policies, such as price controls on groceries and a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, many of her proposals remain vague and unfinished. The campaign has also seen inconsistencies, with Harris flip-flopping on several Biden administration policies, including the border wall and electric vehicle mandates.

The vice president is scheduled to debate former President Donald Trump on September 10, though there are ongoing hints that she may pull out of the event. This potential move would add to the growing narrative of her avoiding direct confrontation and scrutiny.

CRINGE: “Let’s just get through the next 64 days, how about that!? HA HA HA HA HA!” pic.twitter.com/Nculjcftpc

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 2, 2024

Adding to the controversy, Harris recently faced backlash over her use of what critics called a “new accent” during a Labor Day rally in Detroit. Speaking to a crowd of union workers, Harris adopted a noticeable shift in her dialect, which led to accusations of inauthenticity. Conservative commentators and Trump campaign officials were quick to ridicule the change, comparing her to the Looney Tunes character Foghorn Leghorn and calling her the “fakest human being that has ever lived.”

Harris’s changing accents and perceived attempts to cater to different audiences have been a recurring issue throughout her political career. Whether it was using a Southern accent in Atlanta or a “French accent” during a 2021 trip to France, critics argue that Harris’s approach lacks genuineness.