VP debate: Kamala shuts down Pence over ‘sexist’ interuptions as Pence’s pink eye and a fly steal attention ?
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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.
Topic 4 - the environment.
Pence is asked about hurricanes and wildfires, says he is proud of administration’s record on the environment. Says climate is changing and that Trump will listen to the science.
Says US is doing better than countries in Paris Climate Accord.
Touts Trump’s theories on forest management to prevent wildfires and says that there are no more hurricanes than there were 100 years ago.
Harris is asked what the stance of the Biden ticket is towards the green new deal.
Jobs will be created through clean and renewable energy. Sees damage from environmental catastrophes and says Biden plan is to focus on science.
Harris quotes Trump on climate change: “Science doesn’t know”.
Pence: Biden will ban fracking.
Harris: No, we will not.
AOC:
Harris pivots to jobs, says Trump administration has lost more jobs than any other.
New topic - China.
Pence asked how he would characterise relationship with China.
Pence reverts to talking about voting records and says Harris voted against USMCA and put environment ahead of jobs.
Says Trump will hold China accountable for coronavirus.
'Mr Vice President, I'm speaking': Harris stops Pence interrupting her at debate
Democratic candidate slams vice president for coronavirus response and Trump attempts to downplay lethal outbreak
Harris says failed trade war with China has damaged America.
Failed leadership of administration sees other countries respecting China’s leadership more than US’.
Harris is asked about definition of American leadership in the 21st century.
Laments Trump’s unilateral approach to foreign policy and isolationism.
Pence says US has stood strong with allies and against enemies and destroyed Islamic caliphate.
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