Vice President Kamala Harris has faced criticism for not granting any interviews or holding press conferences since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out. While she has made some speeches and brief comments to reporters, she has avoided traditional, sit-down interviews, drawing ire from Republican opponents like Sen. JD Vance and Sen. Tom Cotton, who accuse her of using a 'basement strategy' to avoid scrutiny. Critics argue that the media has given Harris a 'honeymoon' period with favorable coverage, unlike the intense scrutiny Biden faced before his exit. Even Democratic commentator Van Jones has noted that Harris's avoidance of interviews is not a sustainable strategy for her campaign. Despite these criticisms, Harris's campaign has focused on rallying the Democratic base and introducing her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.