Trump Weighs In on Potential Harris Gubernatorial Bid, Emphasizes Need for Media Engagement
Former President Donald Trump has offered his perspective on Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential foray into California’s gubernatorial race, stressing the critical importance of active media engagement for a successful campaign. Trump’s comments come amidst growing speculation about Harris’s political future, as she reportedly considers a bid for the Golden State’s top executive position.
Speaking during an interview with OutKick’s Clay Travis aboard Air Force One, Trump asserted that Harris’s success hinges on her willingness to engage with the media and address public inquiries head-on. He drew a contrast with President Joe Biden’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that Biden benefited from reduced media scrutiny due to the extraordinary circumstances.
"One thing she’s gotta do, she’s gotta start doing interviews," Trump stated. "You can’t get away with both of them, during COVID he did no interviews, and he got away with it because of COVID."
Trump’s remarks underscore the widely held belief that media engagement is an indispensable component of modern political campaigns. Candidates are expected to articulate their platforms, address concerns, and connect with voters through a variety of media channels, including television, radio, print, and online platforms. A reluctance to engage with the media can be perceived as a sign of weakness, a lack of transparency, or an inability to handle tough questions.
The prospect of Harris entering the California gubernatorial race has generated considerable buzz within political circles. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited in 2026 and potentially eyeing a presidential run in 2028, the field is expected to be wide open for ambitious Democrats seeking to lead the nation’s most populous state and fifth-largest economy.
A former advisor to Harris, speaking to CBS News, lauded her potential as a gubernatorial candidate, citing her extensive experience at both the national and state levels. The advisor emphasized the advantages Harris would bring to the role, particularly her national profile and ability to navigate California’s complex challenges.
"On a national level, what Newsom has been able to do with that job, there is a lot of upside with what she can do as the governor of the fifth-largest economy with her name ID, when our party is looking for national leadership and California looking for good governance – especially at a time when California is going through a lot," the former advisor said.
However, Harris also faces potential hurdles in a gubernatorial campaign. Her previous run for president was marked by criticisms that she shied away from media appearances and struggled to articulate a consistent message. Concerns were raised about her ability to connect with voters on a personal level and effectively address complex policy issues.
The article notes that after Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris, she went 39 days without an interview before appearing alongside then-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate. While Harris later increased her media appearances, she continued to face accusations of dodging difficult questions.
One notable instance involved a potential interview with influential podcaster Joe Rogan, which reportedly fell apart due to disagreements over interview conditions. Rogan suggested that the Harris team sought to impose restrictions on the types of questions he could ask. Trump notably appeared on Rogan’s podcast, an interview that eventually led to Rogan endorsing Trump’s presidential bid.
These past experiences underscore the importance of Harris developing a proactive and transparent media strategy if she decides to run for governor. She will need to demonstrate a willingness to engage with a wide range of media outlets, answer tough questions directly, and articulate a clear vision for California’s future.
Furthermore, the article touches upon another relevant issue as Trump stated, "TRUMP SAYS KEEPING MALES OUT OF WOMENS SPORTS IS 90-10 ISSUE" indicating a broader sociopolitical landscape that Harris would have to navigate. This comment suggests that cultural issues are likely to play a significant role in the upcoming political debates, and Harris’s positions on these issues will undoubtedly be scrutinized.
Harris’s decision on whether to enter the gubernatorial race is expected by the end of the summer. If she chooses to run, her success will depend not only on her policy platform and campaign strategy but also on her ability to effectively communicate her message and connect with voters through the media. Trump’s advice serves as a reminder that in today’s political landscape, active and transparent media engagement is essential for any candidate seeking to win the hearts and minds of the electorate. This is especially true when navigating the complexities and scrutiny of a high-profile race in a state as politically charged as California. Her ability to effectively answer tough questions and engage in public discourse will be a critical factor in determining her electability.
The California governor’s race is expected to draw significant national attention, particularly given the state’s importance as a bellwether of progressive politics and its substantial economic influence. Harris’s entry into the race would undoubtedly elevate its profile further and set the stage for a closely watched and highly competitive contest.
