Experts: Don't underestimate Pence during VP debate

An expert is encouraging California Sen. Kamala Harris and or Democrats t to sell short Republican incumbent Mike Pence heing into Wednesday's vice presidential debate.

"I certainly wouldn't underestimate Mike Pence after performance that he delivered in 2016," said Aaron Kall, who is director of debate at University of Michigan and co-author and editor of "Debating Donald."

Pence will almost certainly be pressed to explain shifting accounts of President Donald Trump's health over weekend and justify Trump's decision to hold large in-person campaign rallies during a pandemic — events that often flouted public health guidelines by congregating thousands of mostly mask-less supporters.

"Things have t been moving in right direction for Trump-Pence ticket, so I think that really probably changes trajectory of Vice President Pence will really need to be on offense," said Gregory Shufeldt (SHOO'-felt), a professor of political science at Butler University.

debate with Harris will be a major test.

former prosecutor's political rise was fueled by searing exchanges with political rivals during major congressional hearings.

And she is certain to press issue of virus and Trump's diagses when two meet in Salt Lake City.

Harris and Pence also are expected to try to bring a level of civility to ir debate, something that was missing when Trump and Biden shared st last week on Ohio.

opening debate in Cleveland quickly turned chaotic, with frequent interruptions by candidates — particularly Trump.

"I think we're going to see a very different kind of debate. Certainly from Mike Pence. And I would imagine that Senator Harris will reciprocate in kind," said Leslie Lenkowsky, a professor emeritus of public policy at Indiana University.

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