As the pivotal moment in the election campaign approaches, both Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris are tirelessly preparing for their only debate that could potentially impact the remainder of the campaign. With the November elections on the horizon and the recent developments regarding President Trump’s health, the stakes are higher than ever.
To start off, let’s examine Vice President Mike Pence’s strategy. As a seasoned politician with long-standing legislative experience, Pence is expected to continue playing on the Trump administration’s perceived strengths: a booming economy before the pandemic and the appointment of conservative judges. Pence, known for his calm demeanor, would to serve as a counterweight to President Trump’s more impulsive style, and he is likely to aim at reassuring voters of the administration’s stability. An essential part of Pence’s preparation is evidently focusing on handling increasingly pressing questions about the administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, the approaching Supreme Court appointment, and issues related to racial injustice and inequality.
In Senator Kamala Harris’ corner, preparation takes an equally, if not more, intense form. As a former prosecutor, her line of attack is expected to be consistent, detailed, and relentless. But this debate offers a new challenge, the needed dexterity to counter Pence’s calm, yet firm, political style. Many predict that her strategy would likely revolve around the shortcomings of the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic, highlighting her and Biden’s plans to tackle the issues. Additionally, Harris would likely discuss the importance of the Supreme Court nomination and the impact it has on issues such as healthcare and women’s rights, drawing on her expertise in justice and law enforcement to further substantiate these points.
Both Pence and Harris face their unique challenges in this debate. For Pence, the task is to substantiate the administration’s approach to the pandemic despite escalating criticism, and to withstand the scrutiny that comes with President Trump’s recent Covid-19 diagnosis. For Harris, it’s to find a balance between a strong, assertive stance while ensuring voters that a Biden-Harris administration could bring the unity the nation needs now. This one-off debate opens opportunities for both ticket-runners to set the ground for the remainder of the campaign.
The debate preparations that either side undertake would significantly impact their performance, the public perception, and potentially sway the remaining undecided voters. While the debate signposts a critical juncture in American politics, the following weeks leading up to the election will see the fruit of these preparations. It is a strategic chess game, and both Pence and Harris are studying the board in-depth as they prep for this important debate. As the election looms closer, this debate could indeed define the rest of the campaign trail.
