Vice Presidential Debate 2020: Who will win as Kamala Harris takes on Mike Pence? Date, time and how to watch live
While we are still discussing and processing the first presidential debate that took place on September 29, the next debate is just round the corner. But this time, the face-off will be between Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s running mates Vice President Mike Pence and Kamala Harris respectively. While the Trump-Biden face-off was chaotic, it will be interesting to see how the Pence-Harris debate turns out. Here are the details of the debate.
When and where?
The debate will be held at the University of Utah on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. The co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates, Frank J Fahrenkopf, says the event will be smaller than usual, as reported by Marie Claire. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, there won't be more than 150 to 200 people on-site.
Who will moderate it?
The Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today Susan Page will oversee the debate. It will be her first time moderating such an event. According to Marie Claire, she has covered the White House for four decades and through six presidencies and this will be her 11th presidential campaign coverage. "The debates are a crucial part of making our democracy work, and I am honored to participate," Page told USA Today. This debate will have nine segments, each of which will be about 10 minutes long and each candidate will have two minutes to respond to the moderator's opening question, the commission said.
A few days after her announcement as the moderator, a Politico report alleged that Page hosted an event at her home in honor of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma in November 2018. However, USA Today spokesperson Chrissy Terrell said the evening was meant "to honor women on both sides of the aisle doing notable things," and that it fell "well within the ethical standards that our journalists are expected to uphold".
Where to watch?
The debate will air live on ABC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox, NBC and PBS Utah from 9 to 10.30 pm ET.
What to expect?
Even though the topics are not known yet, there are a few topics that will possibly come up. These topics also came up in the first presidential debate regarding the pandemic and the economy. Right after the debate, Harris appeared on MSNBC’s 11th Hour hosted by Brian Williams and discussed the event. When asked about the debate, Harris said, "America was presented with a very clear choice. On one hand you have Joe Biden, who has experience, poise, grace, speaks with intelligence and speaks directly to the camera – to American people about their situation. On the other hand, you have an angry, defensive Donald Trump who spent full time interrupting, attempting to bully the process, including the moderator."
According to Vox, Harris is reportedly preparing for the debate with former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, stepping in the role of Pence in mock debates. And Pence is seeking the help of former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for preparation, as reported by Washington Post.
Two more Trump-Biden face-offs left
Well, get prepared for two more Trump-Biden face-offs in the coming weeks. Their second debate will take place on October 15 at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, in Miami. It will take place in the form of a town hall where citizens from the South Florida area will ask questions. CNN stated that the participants will be uncommitted voters selected under the direction of Frank Newport of Gallup. The last presidential debate will take place at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22.