By Bryce Kelly, Staff writer
The matchup for the presidency has been set for months. Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, is looking to win the presidential election against Republican-incumbent Donald Trump. That debate is getting all the attention because the president influences the country more than any other man. However, the vice presidential debate, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, should be viewed if you’re interested in the future of this country.
This vice presidential debate is interesting simply because it was a new discussion. The presidential debate is not. Biden has been the presumptive Democratic nominee for many months after he dominated the second wave of primaries. As I write this, Kamala Harris was nominated as Joe Biden’s vice presidential running mate less than a month ago. This gives the debate some intrigue.
The contrasting public personas of Harris and current Vice President Mike Pence give the debate more spice. Pence is Trump’s ideal vice president. He complies with everything Trump does and says and stays in the background so Trump can have all the spotlight. It will be fascinating to see how Pence debates Harris, as he is such a reclusive vice president, even though the vice president position is a background position, in general.
Harris’s public persona is almost the opposite of Pence’s. She’s energetic, outgoing and fiery. Harris was a prosecutor in California. Pence is mild mannered. Harris was also previously a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the presidency, which could be an attacking point for Pence. Harris was critical of Biden’s track record in votes related to race, specifically busing.
Pence will have to come out of the shadows of the vice presidency to debate Harris, who has recent experience debating as a Democratic candidate. On the other hand, Pence hasn’t debated since he debated Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton’s vice-presidential pick, back in 2016. This contrast should make for interesting television.
People should also tune in because in recent history vice presidents have run for President. George H.W. Bush ran for president after being Ronald Reagan’s vice president and won in 1988. Al Gore, who was Bill Clinton’s vice president, ran and lost to George W. Bush in 2000 in one of the most controversial elections in history. Biden was Barack Obama’s vice president. This trend proves vice presidents are likely to run for president.
It is even more likely that Harris will run for president. Biden, if elected, will become the oldest United States president in history. There is speculation that if Biden wins, he will not run for a second term because of his age and mental acuity. This will give Harris the opportunity to run and win in 2024 if Biden’s term goes well. Pence could run by capitalizing on Trump’s base. With his experience as Trump’s vice president after Trump’s time in office. This is more unlikely than Harris’s chances, as Pence isn’t very energetic, has many controversial views and won’t rally the Trump base near the tone and diction of Trump.
The first presidential debate is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29 and is highly anticipated for good reason. Trump is one of the most controversial presidents in American history with his treatment of others through Twitter and his press conferences and rallies. Biden’s age combined with the gaffes that have plagued him for decades is cause for concern for many voters. However, don’t sleep on the vice presidential debate. Pence or Harris will have an impact on our lives as we students leave college.
kellybw19@bonaventure.edu
