5 Key Things to Watch in Vice Presidential Debate Tonight Between Pence, Harris
The vice presidential debate tonight between Democratic candidate Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence is their first and only showdown.
Usually, vice presidential debates aren't as thrilling as the presidential ones but this year's face-off is becoming more important.
As running mates of the oldest standard bearers in their respective parties, Harris and Pence are seen as presidents in waiting, said a FOX News report.
The weight of this year's vice presidential debate just surged higher as President Donald Trump moved into isolation at the White House.
"The odds are unfortunately mathematically in favor of one of these two becoming the next president within the next four years," Republican strategist Colin Reed said.
Here are five things you have to tune into for this year's vice presidential debate:
All About COVID-19
As the U.S. is still in the middle of a pandemic, COVID-19 will remain a key point of discussion during the debate.
It has been a leading issue during the campaigns since the outbreak began early this year. For the past months, the Trump administration has been subject to the Biden campaign's criticism.
The president's COVID-19 diagnosis is being played as a bonus for his and Pence's campaign.
This becomes a challenge for Harris. She can start with the administration's handling of the pandemic or the outbreak in the White House, said CNN.
Debate Moderator
USA Today's Washington bureau chief Susan Page will be moderating the only VP debate this year.
Last week, during the presidential debate, this role was taken by FOX News' Chris Wallace. Then, Wallace was struggling to remain "invisible" and keep an open discussion between Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden, as noted by The Hill.
The showdown became chaotic last week. But Pence and Harris are expected to stay calm during this event.
We're about to know if today shapes up just the same as last week.
Stricter Safety Measures
After Trump fell into COVID-19 last week, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) approved extra safety measures.
The candidates and the moderator for today will be separated by a plexiglass barrier. Harris and Pence will also be 13 feet apart.
Harris' team pushed for these safety measures, while Pence's team opposed.
There are other safety rules to be met by the debate's small ticketed audience as well.
Pence's Challenge with Economy
President Trump has been clearly pushing for his argument on building the "greatest economy".
Experts even noted that the economy was a strong point for Trump during last week's debate.
Reed is looking forward to Pence reinforcing Trump's argument. Pence might also target economic proposals of the opponent.
Harris and Medicare for All
Harris was a primary supporter of "Medicare for All," championed by Sen. Bernie Sanders.
In December 2019, she took a step back and chose to unveil her own plan that allowed private insurers to take part in health care plans.
Now, she is taking Biden's proposal for the Affordable Care Act. The Trump-Pence campaign doesn't have its own credible health care plan but it won't stop Pence from reminding Harris of the ghosts of past policies.
If Harris can turn the conversation into a discussion on the administration's health care policies, the debate might work in her favor.
Check these out!
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Presidential Debate Quickly Turns Into Chaos as Trump, Biden Interrupt Each Other
Vice Presidential Debate: Pence, Harris Have New Rules to Increase Safety
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