Kamala Harris Under Fire for Snubbing Time Magazine Interviews as Campaign Heats Up
As the race for the White House enters its final stretch, Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism for declining multiple interview requests from Time magazine, a publication known for its in-depth political coverage. Marc Benioff, the magazine’s owner since 2018, took to social media on Sunday to express his disappointment, highlighting that both former President Donald Trump and President Biden—before he exited the race—had engaged with Time during their campaigns.
“Despite multiple requests, TIME has not been granted an interview with Kamala Harris—unlike every other Presidential candidate,” Benioff tweeted, raising eyebrows and questions about the Vice President’s transparency and engagement with the media. His comments come at a crucial time, as Harris seeks to solidify her position as the Democratic nominee in a rapidly changing political landscape.
In a recent profile of Harris published by Time, reporter Charlotte Alter noted that while Trump and Biden both dedicated significant time to interviews with the magazine—90 minutes each—Harris has largely favored local media and lighter platforms, such as culture podcasts and friendly talk shows. This trend has raised concerns about her willingness to engage with serious journalism, especially as the election looms closer.
“Why isn’t the Vice President engaging with the public on the same level?” Benioff questioned in his tweet, using hashtags like #TrustMatters and #TransparencyMatters to emphasize the importance of open dialogue in leadership. His remarks resonate with many who believe that voters deserve to hear directly from candidates about their policies and visions for the future.
Harris’s recent media appearances have included a mix of entertainment-focused platforms, such as The View, the popular podcast Call Her Daddy, and even a spot on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. However, she has only made one serious news appearance in the past week, sitting down with CBS’s 60 Minutes. This selective approach to media engagement has not gone unnoticed, especially as new polling suggests that Harris is losing ground against Trump, with Election Day just three weeks away.
Adding to the scrutiny, Time magazine faced backlash in August for publishing a glowing profile of Harris, even after she declined to participate in an interview at that time. Critics argued that the piece lacked the critical edge typically expected from a publication of Time’s stature, raising questions about the integrity of political journalism.
As the campaign heats up, the pressure is on Harris to connect with voters and the media alike. With her current strategy under fire, it remains to be seen whether she will adjust her approach in the coming weeks or continue to prioritize less traditional platforms. The stakes are high, and as the clock ticks down to Election Day, the need for transparency and engagement has never been more critical.
