Experts: Don't underestimate Pence during VP debate

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

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

Pence will almost certainly be pressed to explain shifting accounts of President Donald Trump's health over the 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 not been moving in the right direction for the Trump-Pence ticket, so I think that really probably changes the 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.

The debate with Harris will be a major test.

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

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

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

The opening debate in Cleveland quickly turned chaotic, with frequent interruptions by the 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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