Analysis: who won the vice presidential debate between Pence and Harris? – USA and Canada – International

As always happens in these types of formats, it is very difficult to determine who fared better in the vice president debate in which Mike Pence and Kamala Harris starred in Utah on Wednesday. Especially in an environment as polarized as the one that exists today in the United States and where rivalry prevents seeing the good in the other.

(In context: In debate, Harris attacked Pence for covid-19 management)

In a first sample published by the CNN chain, 59 percent said Harris did better versus 38 percent who leaned Pence. Among women, that division was even greater: 69 percent for the senator and 30 percent for the vice president. The men for their part gave a technical draw.

But surely others will appear with the opposite conclusion. This is our balance.

Back to normal

Unlike the exchange between Donald Trump and Joe Biden last week, the debate between Harris and Pence on Wednesday in Utah was conspicuous by its cordiality. Pence interrupted Harris on several occasions and exceeded the moderator’s time on others.

But in general lines the civilized tone prevailed and there was space for discussion of the issues that most concern the country. There was a lot of emphasis on the coronavirus, but there was also talk about foreign policy, economy, health coverage, the Supreme Court of Justice and the racial tensions that exist in the country. That said, both Pence and Harris evaded many questions.

(Also: ‘Contracting covid-19 has been a blessing from God’: Trump)

The vice president, for example, did not want to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if they lose the election and at times it seemed to inhabit a parallel universe in which the economy is better than ever (despite the recession) and the coronavirus has not killed more than 210,000 people.

Harris declined to answer a question about whether Democrats will expand the Supreme Court. in case of coming to power to compensate the advance of the conservatives in these four years.

And neither of them wanted to refer to the possibility of having to assume power in case Biden or Trump (aged 78 and 74 respectively) cannot perform their duties. Those constant evasions, from both, subtracted depth and substance from the debate.

(Read here: Even a fly entered the Pence-Harris debate)

Pence’s challenge

After last week’s disastrous Trump debate and the chaotic days that have emerged since the president’s positive diagnosis, the entire weight of the campaign, somehow, rested on Pence’s shoulders.

Especially after the results of the Most recent polls that speak of a difference of more than 10 points with Biden and the news that many Republicans have begun to abandon Trump and distance themselves in the political arena. Without “taking her out of the stadium,” the vice president did not disappoint.

In fact, it was a balm for a game that had been receiving bad news and defense for some time. Pence was articulate, spoke calmly and was finally able to project a conservative agenda. with which Republicans, especially moderates, can identify.

(Also read: Biden leads Trump by 16 points, according to a CNN poll)

He did, however, following the same Trump script that is sometimes based on exaggerations or lies.

Like when he said that the White House event credited with contagion from Trump and at least 20 other people, followed all the recommendations of health experts. An event in which there was no social distancing and almost no one used a mask, the two essential requirements when doing this type of activity.

But he scored several points when he insisted that Biden would raise taxes for everyone and promote the “Green Deal.” a proposal from the more liberal sector of his party that the Republicans attack because of its cost and its effect on some sectors of the economy.

And there is no doubt that some Republicans, after watching the debate, felt some nostalgia to see that it is Trump and not Pence who is heading the party ticket for the elections.

(You may be interested: The event that is presumed was a source of contagion in the White House)

Harris played it safe

The challenge for Harris was also great. Not only because few know her nationally – in front of a Pence who has been Vice President for four years- but for being the first African American woman and daughter of immigrants to run for the second position most important in the country. And that showed.

Although it had its moments, it was clear that his strategy was to avoid mistakes and play it safe. Something logical, too, since Biden is ahead in the polls and it made no sense to risk that leadership with a combative presentation.

But many some criticized her for letting the vice president interrupt her, for not taking advantage of moments to go on the offensive or to counter the attacks that Pence launched on her. record as a senator and Biden’s in her years as a politician.

(Also: Biden attacks Trump for stating that covid-19 is not to be feared)

But it had highlights, as when he characterized the current administration as the worst in history for its handling of the coronavirus and he tried to speak directly to Americans about social injustices and the possibility of them losing health coverage if Trump is reelected for four more years.

When Pence told him that his administration respected the judgment of Americans in determining how they should protect themselves from the coronavirus, Harris responded forcefully: “You respect Americans when you tell them the truth. Having the courage to be a leader and saying things they may not want to hear but need to protect themselves. But this administration hid the information and today they are standing in line to receive food and do not have enough savings due to their ineptitude, “the senator told him.

Doesn’t change career path

Debates between vice presidential candidates tend not to have as much impact as that of incumbents to the White House. And although this Wednesday generated more attention given the context in which it was presented and the levels of polarization that exist in the country, nothing happened that could alter the course of the race.

(Read here: Trump’s press secretary claims he tested positive for covid-19)

First, because a large majority of people have already made the decision on how they plan to vote on November 3, and little of what was said will weigh heavily on those who have not yet done so.

Furthermore, with almost four weeks of the race still ahead, and two more debates between Trump and Biden still pending, it is most likely that new controversies will arise that will soon make us forget the content of this debate. Something that, in fact, has already happened.

Trump, this Thursday, said that he will not participate in the next meeting with Biden if it is virtual as the commission in charge of these exchanges has just decided.

(Read here: US presidents who fell ill or died in office)

The fly that stole the show

It was an absolutely trivial matter. But the fly that landed on Vice President Pence’s hair for ten long minutes sparked an outbreak on social media that was riddled with memes and comments.

Within minutes, Biden had already removed several and this Thursday a fly swatter with the Democratic campaign logo was on sale. The bug, which became a trend, distracted the attention of viewers of a debate that in itself was not the most entertaining.

The moment brought up the debate between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960, which was marked by the image of the Republican candidate sweating profusely and that is still remembered for that.

And although with history you never know, it is very likely that the single image of the fly will end up being the one that goes down to posterity.

SERGIO GÓMEZ MASERI

Read also

– Donald Trump, without symptoms of covid-19 for 24 hours
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