This post was written by members of the WOW Dems Board in response to the Oct. 7 vice presidential debate between sitting VP Pence and Kamala Harris. If you missed the debate, view it here.
Sheena King, Legislative Committee Co-Chair
Kamala Harris proudly represented women by showing us how fiercely she will fight for and speak out on the issues that deeply impact us! She was authentic and spoke from her heart. It was refreshing to hear how in sync the Biden-Harris ticket has quickly evolved with palpable mutual trust and respect.
On the issues:
- Kamala gave clear and concise explanations of specifically what this election means to the American people; i.e., what’s on the ballot.
- Kamala was upbeat, strong, competent, and confident in laying out the comprehensive Biden-Harris plan.
- She demonstrated strong leadership and helped America get to know her.
- Kamala commanded respect, including demanding equal time to answer the debate questions and gracefully respond to character attacks.
Cathy Mangarelli, Legislative Committee Co-Chair
I was anxious about watching the debate. I wanted Harris to pummel Pence and show him Biden-Harris is the right team to lead our country after four years of chaos and divisiveness, the likes of which this country has never seen.
Harris did a great job. However, I would have advised her to do some things differently. There were a few questions that she just did not answer. There were a few times when she was snarkier than I would have advised. However, for the most part, she did an outstanding job of clarifying the facts when Pence started his stream of Trumpian lies.
The debate covered nine topics:
On COVID-19: Harris nailed Pence early on this topic. Later, in response to a question about her taking the vaccine when it is available, she said she’d be first in line if the scientists advised it, but if Trump advised it, she’d give a definite “NO!”
On the role of the VP: Harris skirted the issue, in my opinion. Perhaps she did this because she did not want to open a second debate on Biden’s health. I would have preferred a simple statement.
On the Economy: Pence attempted to use the Trump campaign’s non-factual statements about Biden’s tax plans. Harris spoke clearly about what Biden has repeatedly stated regarding taxes. She even pointed out Pence’s health care statements were false.
On Climate Change: Harris laid out Biden’s plan, arguing Climate Change is an existential threat to our country and planet earth.
On China: Harris sharply pointed out the mess Trump’s trade efforts produced. She accused the Trump administration of a failure of leadership.
On Foreign Policy: Harris said Biden’s plan on Foreign Policy has always been based on relationships around the world. Harris’ Senate committee memberships have in fact expanded her own understanding of what our country’s Foreign Policy should be about.
On Supreme Court appointments: Harris avoided completely the question of “packing the Court.” That might have opened an area the Trump campaign could have used for bad publicity. I would have preferred a simple statement.
On Racial Injustice: Harris came out hard and fast on this issue. She turned back Pence’s attempt to diminish her role as California’s AG with harsh words for him. A great response by her!
On the upcoming election: Harris did not answer this question, when she should have stated emphatically that the laws of our country would prevail. She did encourage everyone to VOTE!
She will be a GREAT vice president. And she has the chops to be president should circumstances arise that would require her to step in!
Angie, Communications Committee Co-Chair
During the first presidential debate, Pence showed a lack of respect for rules and women – a lack of respect that defines this administration. Numerous fact-checking articles published in the wake of the VP debate show Pence not just exaggerated, but outright lied about everything from the administration’s response to COVID-19 to the Affordable Care Act.
How Pence can pretend to be an upright, moral man while continuing to enable this administration and its lies is beyond me, but it’s not beyond men like him and his puppet master – men who have no shame. And they hold offices that require a great deal of humility.
We have to vote them out, or we’ll all collapse with their house of cards.