Recently, on our editorial page we took issue with Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris. As she was riding high from the bump and buzz that comes from a successful political convention, she wasn’t talking to the media that much. Perhaps a soundbite here and there as she was coming or going to an event, but no meaningful conversations with the men and women who are writing the first draft of history. 

We were concerned that perhaps this was a new strategy developed by her campaign, to use social media and other forms of controlled-by-candidate messaging to get the word out — cutting out the middleman, so to speak. It appears that our fears and concerns were unfounded.

Since that editorial, the vice president has proven that she’s not scared of video cameras, microphones or reporters. In recent weeks, she’s done a town hall with Univision, the Spanish-language television network, visited with the outspoken women on “The View,” the popular daytime talk show,

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and walked straight into the lion’s den, sat down and talked to (and scolded) a Fox News anchor. On the radio and podcast side, she’s been a guest on “The Howard Stern Show,” appeared on the “Call Me Daddy,” podcast and chopped it up with pseudo-intellectual radio show host Charlamagne Tha God, who hosts the popular radio program “The Breakfast Club.”

As you might imagine, these programs and platforms have vastly different audiences and formats.Some of the hosts are funny. Some are crass. Some are smooth and professional. But whatever the vibe of these outlets, it didn’t seem to matter in terms of her level of engagement and connection with the audience — the former prosecutor acquitted herself well.

Her versatility shows she can step into any environment and make it her own. Whether she’s answering tough questions or bantering with a talk show host, she speaks with confidence, enthusiasm, and, most importantly, the ability to connect with voters across a wide range of demographics.

“There is a strategy to this stuff,” said Mathew Littman, a former Biden speechwriter, to “Deadline.” “These complaints from old media are absolutely ridiculous. Not only do I think it is a good idea, we should have been doing it a long time ago,” he said.

In contrast, the candidate on the other side seems to have retreated into his bubble. He’s been canceling interviews and appearances, choosing to sway to the familiar sounds of his own tired refrains while what remains of his base looks for the nearest exit.

One outlet referred to Harris’ tour of various outlets as a “media blitz” that might serve as an “October Surprise.” That may well be. But more than just strategy, Harris has demonstrated the willingness and confidence to meet voters and media on their own terms — a quality that would serve her well in the Oval Office.

The Richmond Free Press is proud to endorse Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, for president and vice president. Together, they have demonstrated their commitment to advancing policies that uplift everyone, and we’re proud to stand behind them in this pivotal moment.

Some of you may have noticed that this is the only endorsement we’re making this year. We’ve decided to follow the path of other progressive newspapers in this regard, who have moved away from endorsements, citing concerns about bias and maintaining journalistic integrity. We hope that we’ve given you enough information in our coverage of the candidates and the issues to make an informed decision and vote like you mean it.