The first vice-presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence offered a stark contrast in styles and substance. While both candidates made their points, some emerged with a clear edge, leaving others trailing in their wake.

Winners:

Kamala Harris: The Democratic nominee dominated the stage with her calm demeanor and sharp, well-articulated responses. Her focus on policy specifics and her ability to hold Pence accountable on his record resonated with viewers. Her unwavering commitment to racial justice and her powerful defense of Joe Biden’s vision for the future solidified her standing as a formidable candidate.
Moderation: The debate’s moderator, Susan Page, managed the chaotic interruptions and kept the focus on policy. Her firm handling of the candidates’ interruptions allowed for a more balanced discussion.
Fact-Checkers: The debate provided ample fodder for fact-checkers, who had a field day debunking Pence’s claims and highlighting the discrepancies between his statements and reality. This brought much-needed clarity to the debate’s often-heated rhetoric.

Losers:

Mike Pence: Pence struggled to gain traction against Harris’s steady performance. His attempts to interrupt and redirect the conversation came across as aggressive and unpersuasive. His unwavering defense of the Trump administration’s record, even in the face of mounting criticism, failed to resonate with viewers.
Trump’s Strategy: The constant interruptions and personal attacks that characterized the first presidential debate were largely absent in the vice-presidential debate. While this may have been a deliberate attempt to shift the campaign’s tone, it backfired by giving Harris the space to lay out her case and exposing Pence’s weaknesses.

The Harris-Trump debate was a watershed moment in the election, with clear winners and losers. It showcased the Democratic ticket’s focus on substance and policy, highlighting the differences between the two parties’ visions for the future.