NEW YORK (NewsNation) — Ahead of next month’s presidential debate on ABC News, Vice President Kamala Harris’ long-standing friendship with a top Disney executive is under scrutiny.
Dana Walden, a senior Disney executive whose portfolio includes ABC News, is one of Harris’ “extraordinary friends,” the New York Times reported.
ABC, which is owned by Disney, defends its ability to fairly host a debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump despite critics raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Traditionally, presidential debates have been organized by the nonprofit and nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates since the 1980s. However, for the first time this year, CNN and ABC are directly organizing the debates, making Harris’ close relationship with Walden subject to scrutiny.
Dana Walden doesn’t weigh in on editorial decisions
Walden oversees 18 businesses across the sprawling Disney empire, and according to Disney, is only involved in ABC’s news division’s corporate matters, such as budget and staffing.
ABC says Walden does not weigh in on editorial decisions.
Although not as widely recognized as Disney CEO Bob Iger, Walden is considered by many to be his likely replacement when his contract expires in 2026.
Dana Walden a longtime Democratic supporter
Walden and Harris have been friends for decades, with Harris even crediting Walden for her marriage to husband and second gentleman Doug Emhoff.
She’s supported Harris’ campaigns over the years, with Federal Election Commission data showing nearly a dozen contributions from Walden to Harris over the past decade, totaling around $50,000.
Walden has also donated to dozens of other Democrats.
However, Harris isn’t the only candidate with ties to a major network. Trump’s relationship with Fox News and several anchors is well documented.
While ABC is hosting the upcoming debate, Trump has proposed a debate hosted by Fox, which hasn’t come to fruition.
Has ABC suggested backing out of debate due to friendship?
ABC News has issued statements regarding concerns about Harris and Walden’s friendship, stating that the perception of a conflict of interest “is not a reality here.”
The network added that since ABC News came under the purview of Walden in 2022, she’s no longer held any fundraisers for Harris.
Harris and Trump have agreed to debate on ABC on Sept. 10.