US Vice-Presidential debate 2020: Five things to look for as Harris, Pence compete

As vice-presidential debate between incumbent Mike Pence and California Senator Kamala Harris is just hours away, re are several points that viewers and voters shall look for on October 8 (India time). With all necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19 transmission, Pence and Harris will be pitted against each or at University of Utah in Salt Lake City at 6:30 AM (IST) for at least 90 minutes.

only vice-presidential debate comes after a chaotic week in United States involving first disjointed debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, US President’s COVID-19 diagsis, followed by his hospitalisation and return to White House. While Pence-Harris showdown is coming with higher stakes with both candidates trying to prove worth of next US President, re are five things to watch on October 8.

5 things to watch out for in vice-presidential debate:

Coronavirus presence 

From plexiglass barriers to more than 12 feet distance between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, vice-presidential debate will witness heightened COVID-19 precautionary measures. Since US President Donald Trump anunced testing positive for disease after he clashed with Democratic rival Joe Biden for first time, Debate Commission is t rey to take any chances. Meaning, presence of COVID-19 pandemic in Utah will be quite obvious for viewers. audience along with candidates and moderator will be wearing masks at all times. 

Im: AP

Democrats’ challenge on COVID-19

Since his four-day hospitalisation at Walter Reed Medical Centre, Trump has been on receiving end of Democrat criticism for downplaying severity of disease and reiterating that he is “feeling great”. While Republican US President is showcasing his rapid recovery as a fearless leer who confronts problems, he has failed to mention those in inner circle who tested COVID-19 positive. In upcoming debate, Democratic vice-presidential minee is reportedly expected to press rivals on massive st over  COVID-19 response of Trump ministration.  

Pence’s stability during debate

With so much happening in White House, officials contracting disease, opposing masks, ecomical impact of pandemic among or issues, it will also be essential for Pence to project stability. Answering opponent’s questions after a rar exceptionally long week for Trump ministration, Pence is expected to have answers.

As per CNN report, it is also one of goals of incumbent. He will also have to successfully defend government’s response to global health crisis as cases continue to rise. However, it can be a challenge since more than 210,000 US citizens have succumbed to COVID-19 or its related complications, let alone its impact on ecomy and small businesses. 

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Harris to defend stance on healthcare policies

Harris h entered Democratic presidential primary as a supporter of ‘Medicare for All’, health insurance plan was written by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. But rowed back her backing after dropping out in December 2019 only to reveal her own plan. Harris called for a transition to a government-run program for at least a dece while allowing private insurers to be involved. 

w, she is supporting Joe Biden’s campaigning of ‘Affordable Care Act’. Even though Pence and Trump lack a credible health care plane, Biden’s running mate would be reportedly targetted as a tool of ‘rical left’ over initial backing and her own proposal. 

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Unackwledged questions

In aftermath of disjointed debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, constant interruption left several questions unackwledged or unanswered. Since Biden didn’t answer questions on an increasing number of Supreme Court chief justices or if he backs Democrats win control of Senate, Pence might attempt to corner Harris on se grounds.

Meanwhile, California Senator might target Pence by dressing Trump’s brief tweets on ecomic stimulus. US President h taken to Twitter to declare end of negotiations with US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi over a massive stimulus pack for COVID-19 recovery. But, shortly after, Trump tweeted ‘True’ while responding to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell arguing for more financial help from Congress.

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