Pence vs Harris: "your time is up" a debate of timely overlaps

Throughout this debate held at the University of Utah Moderato, Susan Page got things under way with Mike Pence, Vice President and Kamala Harris, the former career prosector and Attorney General on stage and taking their places behind their respective desks. The USA Today Washington Bureau chief then explained the format of the debate.

First section: Coronavirus Pandemic

Moderator Susan Page asked the candidates if they would impose further restrictions to combat the spread of the virus. Kamala Harris began by lamenting the high US death toll from COVID-19 and attacked “the worst failure in Presidential history” . She said that the vice president and Donald Trump were told in January about the nature of the virus and did not tell the American people.

"They knew and they covered it up," Ms Harris adds, declaring: "They still don't have a plan".

The Democrat said the Trump administration has "forfeited the right" to re-election because of this. Mike Pence said the US has gone through a "very challenging time" this year, but President Trump has "put the American people first”. He said the President took action early on, citing the China travel ban, something that Joe Biden opposed. Mr Pence claims this saved "hundreds of thousands of lives”.

Whilst Harris was noted as a candidate who “wants to connect”; Mike Pence tells Kamala Harris it's a "privilege to be on the stage with you”. This debate had an air of respect which was seemingly absent from the Presidential, debates a week ago.

Pence avoids question on virus spread

Mike Pence aligns his administration to the "American people", invoking Dr Fauci, America's doctor. However, he doesn't answer a zinger question made by moderator Susan Page about the super-spreader Rose Garden event and lack of precautions. Mike Pence avoided the question and goes back to coronavirus, saying that there will be a vaccine in "record time”.

Disregard for Rules

Pence seemingly had a total distain for the rules, going over his allotted time on nearly every occasion, having the final word on every subject. However, the moderator seemingly noticed this, giving Harris the opportunity to “transgress” and hold her own.

A Question of Tone

“I have to have equal time” and “I’ll try to have a discussion if you let me speak.”

Whilst debating the Supreme Court Harris referred to the “50 life-time judges” of which none were BAME; and had some strong pleas and stated “protecting out troops and respected our troops” and “respecting ‘our American people” were of an utmost priority. However, it did not seem that Pence’s jibes were allowed to be challenged. Harris at many times requested that; “I have to have equal time” and “I’ll try to have a discussion if you let me speak.” She further accused Pence of a “Trump imitation”; which as a trope of the Trump-Pence administration seems to be the theme of the night.

Pence and Harris asked if voters have a right to know more about candidate's health.

Mike Pence said the "transparency" around the president's condition after being diagnosed with coronavirus will “continue". The Vice President then congratulated Kamala Harris on the historic nature of her nomination. Kamala Harris said there should be "transparency across the board" from candidates, including on taxes. She raises the New York Times report about Donald Trump paying only $750 in income tax in the year he was elected. Mr Pence hits back, saying the president has paid "tens of millions of dollars in taxes" and "created millions of jobs".

Pence and Harris spar on US economy

Mike Pence said Donald Trump "cut taxes across the board" when he became president, while Joe Biden will "raise taxes" on his first day in the Oval Office. He claimed the Democrat will "bury our economy under a $2 trillion green new deal" and "wants to go back to the economic surrender to China.”

"The American comeback is on the ballot," the vice president adds.

Kamala Harris said the debate on this matter should be based on "facts", telling Mr Pence that Mr Biden has been "very clear" that he will not raise taxes on anyone earning under $400,000. She claims Mr Trump "rode the coattails" of the economic boom seen under Barack Obama.

Future balance of Supreme Court

Moderator Susan Page notes that President Trump wants to get Amy Coney Barrett confirmed as a justice on America's highest court. Mike Pence was asked if the landmark Roe v Wade abortion judgment is overturned, what he would want his home state of Indiana to do. The Vice President said Amy Coney Barrett is a "brilliant woman" and he looks forward to her being confirmed, before going on to attack Kamala Harris for her questioning of previous nominees - and their faith - in her role on the Judiciary Committee. He also did not address the issue of abortion. Ms Harris responds by saying "Joe Biden and I are both people of faith" and that American voters should have their say on who is in the White House before a new justice is confirmed. However, Harris did not directly address the question of whether Barrratt should be appointed.

'We're going to win this election'

Kamala Harris was asked what steps the campaign would take if Donald Trump refuses to accept the result. She said Joe Biden has a "deep-seated commitment to fight for our democracy" and urged people to get out and vote in high enough numbers so that no one can "subvert our democracy”.

Pence: " [Mine and Trump have a] deep-seated commitment to fight for our democracy"

He said the Trump administration is "fighting every day" to stop Joe Biden and Kamala Harris "changing the rules" to allow for "massive voter fraud”.

This debate was seemingly the first constructive, dignified debate in the presidential campaign. Two people whom came off as respectful in which the candidates could make President on their own merits. Two visions, two clear tickets for (vice) presidency.