Full Breakdown
New Hampshire Journalist Barred from Kamala Harris Event
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Leonard Robinson, a reporter for the right-leaning *New Hampshire Journal*, says he was denied entry to a Kamala Harris appearance in Manchester that was held in support of Democratic Senate candidate Chris Pappas. Robinson reported that, after RSVPing the day before, staff told him his name was not on the registration list and that the venue was at full capacity. He observed another photographer, also not on the list, later allowed inside, prompting Robinson to describe the situation as a “blocked” entry.
Background & Context
The Harris appearance was part of a series of campaign stops in the Granite State as the former vice president weighs a potential 2028 presidential bid. Similar media-access controversies have been reported recently, including a muted response to Harris at a Mississippi rally and a Sacramento event where reporters from *The New York Times* and a local TV station were excluded. Those incidents have fueled broader debate over press access at Democratic events.
Official Statements & Responses
Representatives for Vice President Harris, the New Hampshire Democratic Party, and the Pappas campaign declined to comment when contacted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Why are [New Hampshire Democrats] afraid for her to talk to me? I think that's the real question that's gotta be answered here,” — Leonard Robinson, hampshire journal reporter
- “When I showed up at the @KamalaHarris event in Manchester tonight, I was told my name wasn’t on the list,” — Leonard Robinson, hampshire journal reporter
- “Minutes later, a photographer showed up who was not on the list and was allowed in to cover the event. So much for ‘full capacity,’” — Leonard Robinson, hampshire journal reporter
These statements capture Robinson’s perspective on the incident and his broader concerns about media access in New Hampshire politics.