Trump campaign’s Black media director, Janiyah Thomas, sharply criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her absence at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, an event attended by former President Trump. Thomas highlighted Harris’s no-show in contrast to Trump’s willingness to face challenging questions from Black journalists.
#NEW: Former President Donald Trump calls @VP Kamala Harris crazy and says she disrespectfully refused to attend @NABJ. Her campaign has not officially confirmed or denied her attendance. @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/TesNlis76N
— Gerron Jordan (@GerronJordan) July 31, 2024
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Thomas expressed her disappointment, stating, “Vice President Harris received the same invitation, yet she was nowhere to be found.” The former president participated in a live Q&A at the convention, fielding questions from ABC News reporter Rachel Scott, Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, and Semafor reporter Kadia Goba, focusing on issues pertinent to the African American community.
Trump’s attendance was not without controversy. His exchange with Scott became heated when she accused him of attacking Black journalists, politicians, and voters. Trump retorted, criticizing Scott’s questioning style and accusing her of having a “nasty” tone. He also pointed out her lateness, claiming it delayed their interview.
YOUR REACTION: Ken Lemon, the president of the National Association of Black Journalists (@NABJ), says they invited Trump and Harris for their conference. They received a yes from Trump (a White man who’s often labeled as a racist by the left) and heard nothing from Harris (a… pic.twitter.com/HZLCNpoeKg
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) July 31, 2024
Further stirring the pot, Trump questioned Harris’s racial identity and criticized her for not attending the event. He told Scott, “I was invited here under the impression my opponent, whether Biden or Kamala, would be present. They aren’t here, which seems like a false pretense.”
Despite the contentious nature of Trump’s remarks, his campaign spokesperson emphasized the significance of his presence at the event. Thomas argued that showing up, especially in potentially hostile environments, is crucial. “It’s important to show up, to fight for all Americans, even where you’re not always welcome,” she stated.
ABC’s Rachel Scott opens her interview with President Trump at the NABJ conference by calling him a racist for criticizing black politicians and journalists.
Trump gives a masterful response while also mentioning how he showed up while Kamala Harris did not. pic.twitter.com/AeMGH0D87I
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 31, 2024
Addressing Harris’s absence again, Thomas remarked, “This event has been held for decades. She’s known about it. If she wanted to be here, she could’ve made the time, regardless of being on the top of the ticket.”
Concluding her remarks, Thomas expressed hope that Harris would face equally tough questions if she engages with the NABJ in the future. “I hope they treat her the same way, with the same harsh questions they posed to President Trump,” she said.
Major Points
- Trump campaign’s Janiyah Thomas criticized Vice President Harris for not attending the NABJ convention.
- Former President Trump attended the event and faced tough questions from Black journalists.
- Trump’s appearance included controversial exchanges, particularly with ABC News reporter Rachel Scott.
- Thomas emphasized the importance of showing up, even in potentially hostile environments.
- Harris’s absence was highlighted, with hopes she will face similarly tough questions in the future.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
