Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

VP debate: Kamala shuts down Pence over ‘sexist’ interuptions as Pence’s pink eye and a fly steal attention ?

Biden V Trump: US election opinion polls

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The historic vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris has wrapped up with contentious exchanges over the coronavirus response, the environment, Trump’s taxes, the economy, and foreign policy.

Pence repeatedly went over his allotted time and interrupted Harris on multiple occasions, leading the senator to reprimand him with the words: “Mr Vice President, I am speaking.”

Pence accused Harris of undermining confidence in a Trump coronavirus vaccine, while Harris demanded to know to whom Trump owes money.

Twitter meanwhile was particularly distracted by a large fly that landed on Pence’s head and appeared to stay there for about a minute. There is also speculation that the vice president might be suffering from pink eye.

The VP nominees were face-to-face for the first time in Salt Lake City in what was billed as the most anticipated clash between two running mates in recent memory.

The debate was given approval to go ahead after both candidates returned negative coronavirus tests on Wednesday, and the CDC said Pence was not a "close contact" of Donald Trump.

Pence hits Harris for 'undermining' confidence in possible Covid vaccine and accuses Obama administration of poor response to Swine Flu and leaving national stockpile empty.

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:23

Harris speaks of honour of being asked to join Biden ticket. 

Biden asked her to serve as they share a common purpose, touts extensive experience. 

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:25

Pence congratulates Harris on the historic nature of her place on the ticket

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:26

Facing off on the debate stage in Utah
Facing off on the debate stage in Utah (via REUTERS)
Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:27

A question about transparency is naturally turned to the revelations regarding Trump’s taxes by Harris.

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:28

Third topic - the economy.

Harris asked if raising taxes would put the economy at risk.

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:30

Harris says Donald Trump measures the economy by how rich people are doing.

Biden will repeal Trump tax cuts and invest in infrastructure and clean energy to create jobs. He will invest in innovation and education.

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:31

Pence asked if Americans should brace for an economic recovery that could take more than a year.

Says Americans are better off after the Trump tax cuts. Says that Biden will raise their taxes. 

Harris smiles and says: “That’s not what I said”.

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:34

Once again Harris tells Pence to not interrupt her.

Clarifies that Biden will not raise taxes on people who earn less than $400,000.

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:35

Pence says economic recovery will continue under Trump

Oliver O'Connell8 October 2020 02:38

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in