Vice Presidential debate recap

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 Full disclosure: I missed the first hour of the debate because work is dumb. Watching the last 40 minutes or so, it seemed like a slightly more civilized version of the Presidential debate last week. There were several attacks on records, dodging of questions, and very little policy discussed. This is going to be a short blog because I'm running over on work hours and short on sleep hours this week. A couple of quick observations. 

Racial Justice

The question of systemic racism was an interesting one for me. Harris was very adamant about fixing the rampant systemic racism in our system. Pence flat out denied that systemic racism exists. I don't think either of them were right. This question is a microcosm of every issue currently in front of the American people today. The flat denial that it exists from Pence was laughable. Anyone that can look at our system and claim that there is no systemic racism is an idiot. I also disagree with Harris' blanket assumption that it is rampant throughout the country. I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but, like every other issue today, neither side wants to admit there is a middle ground. I would of liked to see Pence admit that there is work to be done in regards to systemic racism. I also would of liked to see Harris acknowledge the fact that we are leaps and bounds ahead of were we were 20 years ago and the system is mostly good but needs work.

Dodging questions

Pence dodged on abortion in Indiana, Harris dodged on abortion in California. Harris dodged on packing the court. Pence dodged most questions regarding the administration's record. Neither candidate answered any question they didn't want to.

Records

I'm sure I missed some things from Pence, but the biggest miss on this I saw came from Harris. Pence attacked her record regarding prosecution of minorities and disproportionate imprisonment of African Americans during her time as California AG. When given the opportunity to respond, Harris did not dispute the numbers Pence quoted and instead said that her record as AG was a model for how criminal justice should work in America. Not sure what point she was trying to make, but she missed on that one. Pence also missed on calling her out on the statement.

Fact check

Not gonna deep dive every statement made in even the half hour I watched let alone the whole debate, but the main surprise for me came from Harris. The fact that she referenced the NY Times report regarding Russian bounties that the NY Times retracted and multiple on record sources said was false as fact just blows my mind. The story is not true and no one will go on record saying it is.

Winners

I would say both candidates won simply by doing a better job than the Presidential candidates did last week. I don't think either candidate scored a clear victory and was again surprised by the lack of attacking each other based on statements made. The American people definitely won in that we watched an actual debate as opposed to a shouting match. Both candidates appeared more prepared and did a better job having an actual debate than the two we watched last week.

Random Thoughts

This is not an endorsement of this idea, but I would expect the theory that Biden will resign inside of a year to make a resurgence. Harris looked much better in this debate than either Biden or Trump did last week and this will feed the right wingers that believe that Harris is "the real nominee".

Harris did an excellent job with her appeal to people to get out and vote. It was by far the best 2 minutes of the entire debate. She appeared presidential and bi-partisan with her delivery. If her campaign is smart, that clip will be a campaign ad shortly. 

Conclusion

I don't think the debate changes much. Both Harris and Pence stuck to the messages that resonate with their base and made no moves towards a middle ground to appeal to undecided/independent voters. Stay safe everyone, get out and vote, and have a great day.


P.S. The current attitude towards coronavirus and how contagious it is coming from the campaigns makes me wonder what they know that we don't. I am naturally distrustful of government/people in power and the fact that there was plexiglass between Pence and Harris but not between them and the moderator they were facing seems a little odd to me. Just a thought, might dive deeper on it tomorrow if I get off work before dark. 


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