Former California First Lady and journalist Maria Shriver disclosed that only “pre-determined questions” were permitted at a town hall event featuring Kamala Harris in Michigan on Monday.

The event, held in Oakland County, raised eyebrows among attendees and on social media, as it seemed to deviate from the traditional open format typically associated with town hall meetings.

During the event, a woman inquired if attendees would be allowed to ask questions directly to Harris.

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Shriver responded, “You’re not, unfortunately, we have some pre-determined questions,” indicating that the session would not allow for spontaneous inquiries from the audience. She added, “Hopefully, I’ll be able to ask some of the questions that might be in your head,” further highlighting the scripted nature of the interaction.

The host admits the audience can’t actually ask questions at Kamala’s fake “town hall” with Loser War Hawk Liz Cheney because the questions are “pre-determined” pic.twitter.com/kccAaN1D5M

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 21, 2024

The clip of Shriver’s interaction with the attendee quickly gained traction online, with many users criticizing the event as more of a “production” than a genuine town hall meeting.

Comments on social media reflected this sentiment, with one user stating, “That’s not a town hall. That’s called a stage production. She’s incapable of off the cuff.”

Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume also weighed in, tweeting, “Some ‘town hall.’”

Other social media users characterized the event as a “prepped answer show,” and some suggested it resembled a “pep rally” rather than an interactive discussion with voters.

Former Trump White House aide Chad Gilmartin remarked that, regarding Harris, “everything is scripted and nothing will change.”

Everything is scripted and nothing will change with Kamala Harris… https://t.co/ftZwpGLwM5

— Chad Gilmartin (@ChadGilmartinCA) October 22, 2024

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung shared a clip of Shriver’s comments on X, exclaiming, “HOLY S–T! They’re not even hiding it anymore.”

HOLY SHIT! They’re not even hiding it anymore. https://t.co/21uTSTtHZM

— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) October 21, 2024

Harris, 60, managed to take only three questions from the audience during the hour-long event. Shriver took the opportunity to praise former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney as an “incredible, courageous public servant.”

After the event, Shriver expressed her sentiments on social media, stating, “Today, I bore witness to what coming together for the good of the country looks like — country over party.”

Following the Michigan town hall, Harris participated in a similar event with Cheney in Wisconsin, which was moderated by anti-Trump commentator Charlie Sykes.

It remains unclear whether that audience was also subject to the same restrictions regarding question formats.

The events have sparked discussions on the nature of political engagement and transparency, particularly regarding how candidates interact with voters.

Many are questioning the effectiveness of such scripted formats in fostering genuine dialogue between politicians and the public, especially in the context of an election year.

As Harris continues her campaign, the scrutiny of her public appearances may increase, particularly as voters seek more authentic interactions with their leaders.

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