Alexandra Cooper's interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on "Call Her Daddy" has sparked notable backlash for perceived leniency and focus, stirring a debate over the podcast's political direction.
The Daily Mail reported that Cooper, the creator and host of the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, found herself at the center of controversy after her latest high-profile interview. Cooper interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris, in an episode that was publicized on a Sunday and many are blasting the interview as a "softball" interview that didn't challenge Harris.
The episode quickly became a focal point for critique, primarily for what some perceived as its overly lenient questioning and a lack of depth on pressing national issues.
The interview was marked by an initial delay; Vice President Harris was over five hours late, due to urgent national responsibilities presumably linked to ongoing crises like the war in Gaza and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
During the unexpected wait, Cooper continued her preparations, sipping on an Arnold Palmer, a detail she shared with her audience in a behind-the-scenes Instagram video aimed at showcasing the less visible aspects of podcast hosting.
Once underway, the interview predominantly covered topics such as abortion rights, student debt, and Harris’s family dynamics—areas highly relevant to the podcast's usual focus on women's issues.
Interestingly, this episode steered clear of the raunchiness that "Call Her Daddy" is known for. Following the release, some listeners expressed their intentions to unsubscribe, criticizing the podcast for sidestepping severe socio-political crises while focusing on less contentious issues.
The thematic choice of the interview didn’t resonate well with all of Cooper’s audience. Critics accused her of creating what they called "propaganda" and not confronting Harris on more urgent national and international issues.
This sentiment was encapsulated by an online comment pointing out the disappointment over the missed opportunity to address critical matters. In contrast, others defended Cooper, highlighting the appropriateness of discussing women’s rights on a platform known for its young female audience.
Despite the backlash, Cooper defended her approach. During a reflective moment at Dulles Airport post-interview, she expressed her satisfaction with the direction the interview had taken, emphasizing how unprecedented it was for her podcast to feature a sitting vice president.
"I have never in my life felt like an interview went by so fast," Cooper remarked, asserting her choice to maintain the podcast's identity despite broadening its scope.
The choice of Harris to appear on "Call Her Daddy" – a show that diverges from traditional political media circuits – appears to be a strategic one, aligning with her campaign’s efforts to reach a broader, younger, and perhaps more progressive audience.
This isn't isolated, as Harris has engaged with other non-traditional media, appearing on platforms like the "All the Smoke" podcast.
Adding to the whirlwind, Cooper’s invitation to former President Donald Trump to appear on the podcast stirred further debate about the political leaning of the show.
Additionally, her attire, a simple hoodie during the Harris interview, was pinpointed by some as a sign of unprofessionalism. These elements underscore the broader challenges and criticisms faced by media personalities when crossing into political arenas.
Through it all, Cooper has remained firm on her stance regarding the interview’s focus on women’s issues, believing it to be in line with her vision for the podcast.
"I understand everyone has different political opinions, but I feel really good that the entire episode is about women," Cooper stated, attempting to quell the disapproval by emphasizing consistency in her thematic focus.