Harris and Pence Clash in Only Vice Presidential Debate

Kamala Harris and Mike Pence faced off in the only vice presidential debate of the general election, trading fire over the Trump administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Supreme Court packing, and taxes. The debate, which took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, saw both candidates show a more cordial tone compared to the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. However, they still clashed several times throughout the night.

Harris led the prosecution of Biden's case against the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic, arguing that "the American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country." Pence, defending the administration, emphasized that "from the very first day, President Donald Trump's has put the health of the American people first." He touted the president's decision to curtail nearly all airline flights incoming from China, saying "that decision along by President Trump bought us invaluable time to stand up the greatest national mobilization since World War Two and I believe it saved hundreds of thousands of American lives."

The two candidates also traded fire over the Supreme Court confirmation battle, with Pence questioning whether a Biden administration would push to add seats to the Supreme Court if Republicans successfully push through the Barrett confirmation ahead of the election. Harris did not answer directly and instead urged the Senate not to push forward with Barrett's confirmation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration's handling of the pandemic was a dominant issue in the debate, with Harris and Pence offering differing views on the administration's performance.
• Harris and Pence clashed over the Supreme Court, with Pence questioning whether a Biden administration would push to add seats to the Court if Republicans successfully push through the Barrett confirmation.
• The debate saw a more cordial tone compared to the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden.
• Harris highlighted the report by The New York Times that shows Trump paid $750 in taxes in 2016 and 2017, questioning who the president may owe money to.
• Pence defended the president's decision not to push for a national mask mandate, saying "President Trump and I trust the American people to make choices in the best interests of their health."
• A new Fox News national poll indicated Biden widening his advantage over the president, leading by 10 points, up from a 5-point advantage last month.

Statistics:

• The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in over 210,000 deaths in the United States, with over 7.5 million confirmed cases.
• Trump paid $750 in taxes in 2016 and 2017, according to a report by The New York Times.
• Harris argued that the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic has "resulted in hundreds of thousands of American lives."
• Pence claimed that the Trump administration's decision to curtail airline flights from China "saved hundreds of thousands of American lives."
• A new Fox News national poll indicated Biden leading by 10 points, up from a 5-point advantage last month.

Sources:

• Fox News
• The New York Times
• USA Today
• Yerepouni Daily News