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.
Moderator Susan Page is struggling to get Pence to keep within his allotted time.
Harris goes in hard on Trump’s disrespect of US troops and for not holding Russia to account over bounties.
Pence fights back, citing his own serving sons, and calling allegations false.
New topic - The Supreme Court.
Pence asked if Roe v Wade is overturned how he would like Indiana to rule on abortions.
Returns to previous question and touts killing of Soleimani as major achievement of administration.
On Supreme Court he says he hopes judge Amy Coney Barrett gets a fair hearing.
Kamala Harris calls out Trump over explosive tax report
Joe Biden’s running mate demanded answers on the president’s debts
Harris asked how she would like California to rule on availability of abortions if Roe v Wade overturned.
Says that America should choose a president who should then choose a new justice.
Avows her dedication to a woman’s right to choose.
Says more at stake than Roe v Wade — the Affordable Care Act is also under threat in the courts at the height of a pandemic. Could leave people with pre-existing conditions without coverage.
Pence says he is pro-life and doesn’t apologise for it.
Accuses Harris and Biden of supporting tax payer-funded late-term abortion. Harris shakes head.
Pence sidesteps questions of what the Trump plan is for people with pre-existing conditions.
Asks Harris if she and Biden would pack the Supreme Court if Judge Barrett is confirmed.
Harris reiterates that voters should pick president and then president will pick justice — in the way that Abraham Lincoln said should happen.
Pence says Biden will pack court.
Harris says Trump has been packing the courts for four years with ideologically right wing justices.
New topic - racial injustice.
Harris asked if justice was served in the Breonna Taylor case.
Harris says it was not. Also cites the murder of George Floyd and nationwide protests that were organised.
"Bad cops are bad for good cops."
Pence asked same questions.
Pence says family of Breonna Taylor has our sympathies, but I trust our justice system.
Says there is no excuse for what happened to George Floyd, but there is not excuse for the rioting and looting that happened afterwards.
Pence says that saying America is systemically racist is an insult to law enforcement - and that he and Trump stand with them.
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