Kamala Harris has been in a protective bubble since launching her presidential campaign more than a week ago.
So far, Harris hasn't done any press conferences or sit-down interviews, opting instead to stick to pep rallies with celebrities.
Despite never receiving a single primary vote, Harris is set to receive a coronation at the Democratic National Convention starting on August 19.
Harris' late entry into the race has turned the campaign into a sprint to define her in under 100 days. The truncated campaign timeline may make it easier for her to avoid scrutiny before voters cast their ballots.
Many see echoes of Joe Biden's tightly controlled 2020 campaign and presidency, which finally unraveled following a disastrous debate in June.
DePauw University media studies professor Jeffrey McCall said the Harris campaign is "well aware that Biden dodged the media throughout his 2020 campaign and still got elected."
"At some point, it would seem, she'll have to attract moderates or undecided voters who want to see her take questions," McCall said.
Throughout her vice presidency, Harris has faced mockery for sometimes bizarre unscripted remarks.
But she has undergone a dramatic makeover since launching her campaign and quickly rallying the Democratic party, media, and celebrities like Beyonce behind her. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Trump mocked Harris' "transformation" by the media and said it isn't going to work.
"She did a transformation. The press is very corrupt. They gave her a transformation like Houdini ... but don't worry. She's going to fall," he said.
Harris did not make an appearance at an event earlier in the day with the National Association of Black Journalists, where Trump went back and forth with hostile reporters. Trump made note of Harris' absence and said he was invited "under false pretenses" that she would be there.
Trump stirred controversy at the event by accusing Harris of "turning black" after years of prioritizing her Indian heritage.
The controversy has shifted the media's focus away from Harris' new campaign, as Trump faces backlash from the left and some Republicans who call his statements a tactical error.
In any case, Trump's remarks suggest he is preparing to lean into Harris' use of identity politics to question her authenticity.
