Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Why I'm Not Underestimating Pence in His VP Debate With Harris

Let me begin by saying that I hope Kamala Harris makes mincemeat of Vice-President Pence during tomorrow night's VP debate.

Given that Pence was given the task of overseeing the White House Coronavirus Task Force, I shall always remember him as the schmuck in the Mayo Clinic not wearing a mask.

But we would be foolish to underestimate him. Pence is more than competent debater who acquitted himself well against Tim Kaine in the 2016 VP debate. Aside from her broadside towards Joe Biden, Harris' debate performances during the Democratic primaries was inconsistent at best. Frankly, she never recovered after Tulsi Gabbard assailed her record as a prosecutor in the July 2019 Democratic debate. 

Unlike Trump, Pence is not a loose cannon. He will stick to the script and stay on message and will try to throw Harris off balance. I would not be surprised if Pence exceeds expectations in tomorrow night's debate. No doubt there is the possibility that Pence might have to assume presidential powers (even if only temporarily) if Trump's condition worsens. Under those circumstances, Pence could rise to the occasion.

But even if Pence does exceed expectations it probably won't do him much good so long as he remains in Donald Trump's large, dark shadow. 

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